An 18-year-old Georgia man armed with a loaded shotgun allegedly rushed toward the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday, prompting a swift interception by U.S. Capitol Police.
U.S. Capitol Police Chief Michael Sullivan said that just before noon, Carter Camacho of Smyrna, Georgia, got out of a Mercedes SUV and started running toward the capitol carrying a loaded shotgun and additional rounds.
“Just last summer, we held an active threat exercise on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol – in the very location where today’s officers stopped the suspect,” Sullivan said in a news release. “These now routine exercises are planned monthly and in different areas of the Capitol Complex to keep our officers ready for potential threats just like this.”
Officers intercepted the Camacho, ordered him to drop the weapon, and took him into custody, according to Sullivan.
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He was wearing a tactical vest, tactical gloves and had a Kevlar helmet and gas mask in the SUV, according to Sullivan. He also had multiple rounds of ammunition, authorities said.
Images taken at the scene showed authorities surrounding a vehicle. Camacho’s motive remains unknown.
He was arrested on suspicion of unlawful activities, carrying a rifle without a license, unregistered firearm, and unregistered ammunition.
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“I want to commend the officers for the brave service that they provided here today,” Sullivan said during a news conference. “Who knows what could have happened if we didn’t have officers here standing guard like they do every single day.”
Sullivan added just a few months ago, Capitol Police had an active shooter exercise on the West Front, virtually in the same spot as Tuesday’s incident.
“We do those active shooter exercises every single month, and that’s why we do it,” he said.
The area was later cleared and reopened. Police said there did not appear to be any other suspects or an ongoing threat.
