Police authorities in Washington, D.C., apprehended an 18-year-old man in a concerning incident near the Capitol Building, which houses the U.S. Congress. The individual, identified as Carter Camacho from Smyrna, Georgia, was captured while approaching the historic site armed with a loaded shotgun and wearing a tactical vest. He was also carrying additional ammunition, raising alarms about the potential for violence.

Camacho reportedly ran several hundred yards towards the Capitol before being intercepted by law enforcement officials, led by U.S. Capitol Police Chief Michael Sullivan. Officers promptly ordered him to drop the weapon, a directive he complied with before lying on the ground and being placed in custody. The swift action of law enforcement minimized the risk of escalating the situation.

While no motive for his actions has been disclosed at this time, authorities are diligently investigating whether Camacho intended to target the Congress, which was not in session at the time of the incident. Chief Sullivan expressed gratitude for the quick response of the officers, highlighting the unpredictability of such scenarios. He remarked on the importance of the law enforcement presence in preventing a potential crisis.

Following the arrest, police discovered Camacho’s vehicle—a Mercedes SUV—parked in front of the U.S. Botanic Garden, not far from the Capitol. Inside the vehicle, officials found a gas mask and a Kevlar helmet, further raising questions about his intentions. The suspect was previously unknown to law enforcement, with Sullivan indicating that the vehicle was not registered to him and that he had multiple addresses.

Charges faced by Camacho include engaging in unlawful activities, carrying a firearm without a license, and possessing unregistered ammunition. This incident occurred just one week ahead of President Donald Trump’s scheduled State of the Union address, and police have stated that it will not affect security arrangements for the critical event. Chief Sullivan reaffirmed the commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all attendees, emphasizing the gravity with which the law enforcement community regards such high-profile gatherings.

Given the focus on protecting the sanctity of democratic institutions, this incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in maintaining public safety and security in increasingly complex environments.

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