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Georgia Teenager Enters Plea in Capitol Incident
Court documents reveal that Carter Camacho, an 18-year-old resident of Smyrna, Georgia, has entered a guilty plea regarding charges connected to his approach toward the U.S. Capitol building. The young man arrived at the federal complex armed with a functioning shotgun while dressed in camouflage attire and protective body armor.
Charges and Sentencing Details
According to official records, Camacho faces two separate accusations. The first involves unlawful firearm possession within Capitol boundaries. The second charge relates to receiving or distributing child pornography, which originated from authorities examining his mobile device following his apprehension.
U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta will deliver his sentencing decision on December 8 in Washington, D.C. Since being taken into custody, Camacho has remained in detention.
What Happened on February 17
Surveillance footage documented Camacho leaving a stationary vehicle and sprinting toward the Capitol’s western entrance, which borders the National Mall. He carried the shotgun throughout his approach. When Capitol Police officers issued instructions for him to halt and assume a prone position, he followed their directions without resistance.
“This individual was challenged by United States Capitol Police officers in order to drop the weapon, which he did comply with,” U.S. Capitol Police Chief Michael Sullivan stated during February.
At the time of the incident, Sullivan described the suspect as wearing both a tactical vest and matching gloves. The officer confirmed the shotgun contained ammunition and that extra rounds were also present. Additionally, investigators discovered a Kevlar helmet and gas mask inside Camacho’s automobile.
His Stated Intentions
Prosecutors noted that Camacho informed responding officers he had bought the shotgun for home protection purposes less than seven days prior to traveling from Georgia to the nation’s capital. He explained that he kept pepper spray and various pieces of tactical equipment in his vehicle “just in case I don’t want to shoot anyone.”
When questioned by law enforcement outside the Capitol, Camacho expressed his desire to face members of Congress directly. He told authorities his goal was to “scare them into speaking the truth.” Although he never succeeded in entering the building, no injuries were reported during the encounter.
Prosecutors further documented that Camacho contemplated using his shotgun to force open a door as a means of gaining access to the Capitol interior.
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