Update: 9:05 am, February 18, 2026: U.S. Capitol Police identified the suspect as 18-year-old Carter Camacho of Smyrna, Georgia. They arrested him for unlawful activities, carrying a rifle without a license, an unregistered firearm, and unregistered ammunition. He was booked in the D.C. Department of Corrections the evening of February 17, according to jail records. Investigators are still working to determine a motive.
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Update to original story 3:12 pm, February 17, 2026: The suspect was an 18-year-old male who was unknown to Capitol police and did not live in the D.C. area, said Capitol Police Chief Michael Sullivan in a press conference. The suspect reportedly parked a white Mercedes SUV in the 100 block of Maryland Avenue before running “several hundred yards” toward the Capitol, according to Sullivan.
“He exited the vehicle with a shotgun and began running toward the Capitol, up the walkway,” Sullivan said. “Capitol police officers observed this individual, challenged him, and ordered him to drop the weapon and get on the ground, which he did comply with. He was then taken into custody.”
The suspect was wearing a tactical vest and tactical gloves, according to Sullivan. When investigators looked in his car, they found a Kevlar helmet and a gas mask. His shotgun was loaded, and he was carrying more ammunition. The vehicle was reportedly not registered to the suspect. Investigators are working to determine his place of origin, citing multiple addresses.
“We are unaware of a motive at this time,” Sullivan said.
Sullivan said Capitol police have a video of the attack, but asked any witnesses to send additional footage to investigators.
The attack comes as President Donald Trump plans to deliver a State of the Union address in the Capitol, with officials from across the federal government, on February 24.
“We’ll be prepared on State of the Union night,” Sullivan added.
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Police have arrested a suspect outside the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. with an apparent gun.
Officers with the U.S. Capitol Police arrested someone with “what appears to be a gun” near the West Front of the Capitol on February 17, officials announced just after 12:30 p.m. Eastern Time.
“Please avoid the area,” officials said on X. “We will provide more information when new information is confirmed.”
Meanwhile, Maryland Avenue is closed between First and Third Streets SW during the investigation.
Capitol Police reportedly alerted members of Congress to the arrest but did not provide further details.
This is a developing story. The Dallas Express will provide updates accordingly.
