• Video
  • Shop
  • Culture
  • Family
  • Wellness
  • Food
  • Living
  • Style
  • Travel
  • News
  • Book Club
  • Newsletter
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • Terms of Use
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Contact Us
  • © 2026 ABC News
  • News

Man who ran toward Capitol with shotgun said he wanted to talk to members of Congress: Complaint

1:28
Armed man wearing tactical vest ran toward Capitol, apprehended by police
U.S. Capitol Police/X
ByEmily Shapiro and Jack Date
February 18, 2026, 7:46 PM

The Georgia man who was arrested after running toward the U.S. Capitol with a loaded shotgun told officers he was "just there to talk to Members of Congress," according to a criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court.

Just after noon on Tuesday, Carter Camacho, 18, allegedly parked a white Mercedes SUV, got out of the car and started running toward the Capitol building, according to the statement of facts filed in court.

As he approached the building, officers with the Capitol police saw him and ordered him to drop the weapon, Capitol Police Chief Michael Sullivan said.

A man was apprehended after running toward the U.S. Capitol with a loaded shotgun on Feb. 17, 2026.
U.S. Capitol Police/X
A man was apprehended after running toward the U.S. Capitol with a loaded shotgun on Feb. 17, 2026.
U.S. Capitol Police/X

"He immediately complied," Sullivan said, adding that he put down the gun, got on the ground and was then taken into custody.

Once secured in handcuffs, Camacho told officers his name and that "he was just there to talk to Members of Congress," according to the complaint.

Capitol Police search a vehicle outside the Capitol near where a man was arrested with what police said appeared to be a gun, Feb. 17, 2026.
Jim Lo Scalzo/EPA/Shutterstock

Related Articles

'Targeted' shooting at Rhode Island ice skating rink leaves 2 killed, 3 critically injured

Camacho had additional rounds with him, as well as a tactical vest and tactical gloves, Sullivan said. A Kevlar helmet and gas mask were found in his car, Sullivan said.

"Who knows what could've happened" if the officers were not standing guard, Sullivan said.

Officers cleared the area, which has since reopened, according to police.

"There does not appear to be any other suspects or ongoing threat," authorities said.

Both chambers of Congress are out of session this week. 

Capitol police said Camacho was arrested for Unlawful Activities, Carrying a Rifle without a License, Unregistered Firearm and Unregistered Ammunition. The complaint said he was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm on Capitol grounds. Camacho is expected to appear in court on Wednesday afternoon.

ABC News' Ivan Pereira contributed to this report.

Up Next in News—

This San Francisco shop is run completely by an AI agent

April 23, 2026

Mother charged after teen son allegedly hits and injures 81-year-old veteran while riding e-motorcycle

April 23, 2026

UK bill banning smoking products for those born after 2008 is one step away from becoming law

April 22, 2026

Pilot killed in Florida plane crash hailed as hero

April 21, 2026

Shop GMA Favorites

ABC will receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

Sponsored Content by Taboola

The latest lifestyle and entertainment news and inspiration for how to live your best life - all from Good Morning America.
  • Contests
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Children’s Online Privacy Policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • About Nielsen Measurement
  • Press
  • Feedback
  • Shop FAQs
  • ABC News
  • ABC
  • All Videos
  • All Topics
  • Sitemap

© 2026 ABC News
  • Privacy Policy— 
  • Your US State Privacy Rights— 
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy— 
  • Interest-Based Ads— 
  • Terms of Use— 
  • Do Not Sell My Info— 
  • Contact Us— 

© 2026 ABC News