Carter Camacho, an 18-year-old from Smyrna, Georgia, has been charged with unlawful possession of a firearm on the grounds of the United States Capitol. The charge follows an incident on February 17, 2026, in which Camacho was seen carrying a loaded shotgun while wearing tactical-style gear near the Capitol.
According to court documents, Camacho parked a white Mercedes SUV on Maryland Avenue SE between First and Third Streets shortly after noon. He then exited the vehicle and ran toward the Capitol building with a firearm in hand. Upon reaching the steps on the western side of the Capitol, he was approached by a uniformed officer from the U.S. Capitol Police.
When questioned about what he was carrying, "Camacho produced the firearm. The officer ordered Camacho to halt and lie down on the ground." After complying, officers recovered a Mossberg Model 88 12-gauge shotgun loaded with seven rounds in the tube and one in the chamber; its safety was off. An additional 17 rounds were found attached to the stock of the shotgun.
Officers placed Camacho in handcuffs at that time. He reportedly told police that "he was just there to talk to a Member of Congress." Officers also retraced his path back to his vehicle and discovered a fixed blade knife about forty feet away from it.
Camacho appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge G. Michael Harvey for his initial court appearance. A detention hearing is scheduled for March 2, 2026.
The case is being investigated by the U.S. Capitol Police Department and prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan M. Horan.
