Who: An 18-year-old identified as Carter Camacho of Georgia; When: just after noon on Feb. 17, 2026; Where: the West Front of the U.S. Capitol and the 100 block of Maryland Avenue SW in Washington, D.C.; What: Camacho ran toward the Capitol carrying a loaded shotgun and was detained by U.S. Capitol Police (USCP); Result: he complied with officers, was arrested, and authorities report no ongoing threat or other suspects.
Key Takeaways
- At about noon on Feb. 17, 2026, U.S. Capitol Police detained 18-year-old Carter Camacho after he ran toward the West Front of the U.S. Capitol carrying a loaded shotgun.
- Camacho complied with officers’ orders to drop the weapon and was taken into custody by USCP without reported injury to officers or bystanders.
- Authorities found Camacho wearing a tactical vest and carrying multiple rounds of ammunition; a helmet and gas mask were located in his white Mercedes SUV parked on the 100 block of Maryland Avenue SW.
- Police stated there does not appear to be an ongoing threat or additional suspects at the scene following the arrest.
- Charged offenses reported by authorities include unlawful activities, carrying a rifle without a license, and possession of an unregistered firearm and ammunition.
- Motive was not immediately known and officials said the investigation is ongoing as of initial reporting.
Background
The U.S. Capitol has remained a high-security facility since the Jan. 6, 2021 attack, prompting expanded law enforcement coordination and layered inspections around public access points. U.S. Capitol Police (USCP) maintain primary responsibility for protecting members of Congress, staff, and visitors on Capitol grounds, with support from partner agencies as needed. High-visibility incidents involving weapons at or near the Capitol trigger immediate lockdown protocols and multi-agency reviews of access, screening, and intelligence feeds. Local and federal authorities regularly cite both public tours and protests as operational challenges for balancing security with public access.
Recent years have seen heightened attention to lone-actor incidents and whether online activity or local networks contributed to threat planning; investigators routinely check social media, travel, and purchase histories in early stages. Firearms statutes vary by jurisdiction, and the District of Columbia has specific licensing and registration requirements that factor into charging decisions. The presence of protective gear—tactical vests, helmets, masks—has increased concern among security officials because such items can indicate preparation beyond spontaneous actions.
Main Event
According to USCP, officers on the West Front encountered an individual moving toward the Capitol just after noon on Feb. 17, 2026. Officers ordered the person to drop the shotgun; USCP reports that the suspect complied and was safely detained without reported use of force. The suspect was later identified by authorities as 18-year-old Carter Camacho of Georgia.
Following the detention, officers searched the vicinity and the suspect’s vehicle, a white Mercedes SUV parked on the 100 block of Maryland Avenue SW. Law enforcement reported finding a tactical vest on Camacho and multiple rounds of ammunition on his person; a helmet and gas mask were located inside the SUV. No additional suspects were identified at the scene.
USCP took Camacho into custody and processed initial charges that local authorities listed as unlawful activities, carrying a rifle without a license, and possession of an unregistered firearm and ammunition. Officials told reporters the motive was not immediately clear and said the investigation will determine any broader connections or intent.
Analysis & Implications
This incident underscores the ongoing security challenges at nationally symbolic and frequently visited federal sites. Rapid compliance by the suspect and immediate officer response limited the opportunity for violence, but the discovery of protective equipment and extra ammunition will drive investigative lines into planning and intent. Investigators will likely review digital activity, travel records, and any purchases that could indicate premeditation or affiliation with groups advocating violence.
From a legal perspective, the charges noted—unlawful activities, possession of an unregistered firearm, and carrying a rifle without a license—carry different evidentiary burdens and penalties under local and federal law. Prosecutors may add or refine charges as evidence develops, especially if investigators establish interstate travel for criminal purpose or links to broader plots. Defense counsel will be expected to challenge intent and knowledge elements if the case proceeds to court.
Operationally, the incident may prompt USCP and partner agencies to reassess perimeter screening and vehicle checks near sensitive approaches, particularly on high-traffic days. For Congress and the public, the event will renew debates about Capitol access versus security, with stakeholders balancing transparency and ceremonial openness against preventing armed approaches to the complex.
Comparison & Data
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Date | Feb. 17, 2026 |
| Location | West Front, U.S. Capitol; vehicle parked 100 block of Maryland Avenue SW |
| Suspect | Carter Camacho, 18, from Georgia |
| Weapon & Gear | Loaded shotgun, multiple rounds of ammunition, tactical vest; helmet and gas mask in vehicle |
| Initial Charges | Unlawful activities; carrying a rifle without a license; unregistered firearm and ammunition |
The table summarizes key, confirmed facts released by authorities in initial briefings. While one-off incidents vary widely, the combination of a loaded firearm and protective equipment is treated as a higher-risk event by security planners and typically triggers a broader investigative posture than isolated disorderly conduct.
Reactions & Quotes
“He complied with officers and was taken into custody,”
U.S. Capitol Police (official statement via WJLA)
“There does not appear to be an ongoing threat or any other suspects,”
U.S. Capitol Police (official statement via WJLA)
Authorities emphasized the rapid resolution at the scene while saying that the investigation remains active. Local officials and Capitol security managers are expected to monitor findings closely for implications to access protocols and staffing.
Unconfirmed
- Motive: Officials have not released a confirmed motive, and investigators have not publicly tied the suspect to any organization or network.
- Additional charges: Prosecutors may add charges as investigative evidence—this has not been confirmed.
- Communications or online activity: Authorities have not disclosed any verified social media or communications links that indicate planning or coordination.
Bottom Line
The quick compliance by the suspect and a prompt USCP response prevented an escalation on the West Front, but the presence of a loaded shotgun, ammunition, and protective gear means investigators will treat the case seriously. Expect a focused law enforcement inquiry into motive, travel, and purchase history, with potential charging adjustments if investigators uncover additional evidence.
For Capitol operations and public stakeholders, the incident reinforces the ongoing tension between maintaining public access and ensuring security at a high-value federal site. Watch for any short-term changes to access or screening on approaches to the Capitol and for updates from USCP as investigators release further details.
Sources
- WJLA/7News — Local television news report summarizing USCP statements and initial police reporting.