An unsettling incident occurred this past Tuesday when an 18-year-old Georgia resident was apprehended at the U.S. Capitol while carrying a loaded shotgun. Identified as Carter Camacho from Smyrna, GA, the teen now faces multiple charges, including committing unlawful activities and possession of unregistered firearms and ammunition, FOX5 Atlanta reported.
The incident unfolded shortly after noon when Camacho, spotted in camouflage attire with a tactical vest, was observed running towards the Capitol's west side. According to court documents, Camacho was stopped by a USCP officer who inquired about the object he was carrying. Camacho then presented the shotgun. He complied with the officer's command to lie on the ground and was subsequently detained. Court records suggest that the Mossberg Model 88 12-gauge shotgun was switched off of safety and contained seven rounds in the tube, and one in the chamber, with an additional 17 rounds in a carrier attached to the shotgun’s stock, KFDM News detailed.
The security scare led to investigators discovering Camacho's SUV parked near the U.S. Botanic Garden, where a gas mask and helmet were visible inside. Moreover, a fixed-blade knife was found approximately 40 feet from the vehicle. In his first court appearance, still donned in his green military garb, Camacho, who told authorities he simply wanted to "talk" to a member of Congress, was ordered to be held without bond until March 2. Congress was not in session during the time of the incident and it is unclear if any members were present inside the building. A motive, though hinted at, remains broadly undefined.
Camacho's actions have drawn comments from security experts, highlighting the prompt reaction of the Capitol Police. Former FBI Special Agent Ken Gray pointed out the effectiveness of the police response, "This was handled very well by Capitol police. The shooter in this case was stopped before he was able to get onto the property itself, on the Capitol property itself. But this could have worked out quite a bit differently had they not reacted so quickly and also that he complied with their instructions that they told him to drop the weapon and get on the ground, and he complied with that," as detailed by FOX5 Atlanta. Camacho, currently in custody, could face up to five years in prison if convicted on federal charges of unlawful possession of a firearm within the U.S. Capitol grounds.
