An 18-year-old Georgia man armed with a loaded shotgun allegedly rushed toward the West Front of the United States Capitol on Tuesday, prompting a quick interception by Capitol Police.
According to US Capitol Police Chief Michael Sullivan, just before noon, Carter Camacho of Smyrna, Georgia, got out of a Mercedes SUV and began racing toward the capitol, carrying a loaded shotgun and extra ammunition.
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“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.”
According to Sullivan, officers intercepted Camacho, told him to drop the weapon, and took him into custody.
According to Sullivan, he was wearing a tactical vest and gloves and carrying a Kevlar helmet and gas mask in the SUV. Authorities say he also carried several rounds of ammo.
Authorities surrounded a vehicle, according to images captured at the site. Camacho’s motivation is unknown.
He was arrested on accusations of engaging in illegal acts, including carrying a rifle without a license, an unlicensed firearm, and unregistered ammo.
“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 said that Capitol Police conducted an active shooter drill on the West Front a few months ago, almost exactly where Tuesday’s incident occurred.
“We do those active shooter exercises every single month, and that’s why we do it,” he said.
The area was eventually cleansed and reopened. According to police, there appeared to be no more suspects or an ongoing threat.
