WASHINGTON (7News) — An 18-year-old carrying a loaded shotgun ran toward the U.S. Capitol just after noon on Tuesday, according to U.S. Capitol Police (USCP).
Officials identified the man as Carter Camacho, 18, of Georgia. Chief Michael Sullivan said his officers told Camacho to drop his weapon at the West Front of the U.S. Capitol Building, and he complied. He was taken into custody by the USCP officers.
Authorities said Camacho was wearing a tactical vest and had multiple rounds of ammunition on him. A Kevlar helmet and gas mask were found in a white Mercedes SUV, which was parked in the 100 block of Maryland Avenue, Southwest.
“We had a person exit that vehicle with a shotgun and begin running towards the Capitol,” explained Chief Sullivan. “This individual was challenged by United States Police officers and ordered to drop the weapon, which he did comply with.”
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Visitors to the Capitol were surprised to hear of the incident and the restraint by officers.
“It’s alarming for an 18-year-old to make a decision like that,” said Donnel Dunaway of Cleveland, Ohio. “(Police) did what they were trained to do and de-escalate it. Kudos to the police officers because it could have very well went another way.”
The motive was not immediately known. Camacho was arrested for unlawful activities, carrying a rifle without a license, and an unregistered firearm and ammunition.
