Washington, Feb 18 (NationPress) An 18-year-old individual clad in a tactical vest and brandishing a loaded shotgun was apprehended after sprinting towards the US Capitol, triggering an immediate response from the United States Capitol Police (USCP) officers.

The arrest took place shortly after noon on the Lower West Terrace of the Capitol. As per the USCP, officers swiftly “surrounded and apprehended a man who ran towards the US Capitol with a loaded shotgun.” The suspect was later identified as Carter Camacho from Smyrna, Georgia.

Capitol Police noted that Camacho drove a white Mercedes-Benz SUV to the 100 block of Maryland Avenue Southwest before exiting the vehicle while holding the shotgun near the West Front of the Capitol. He was confronted by officers as he approached the building.

“As he moved closer to the Capitol, Capitol Police officers noticed this individual, challenged him, and ordered him to drop the weapon and lie on the ground, which he complied with. He was then taken into custody,” said Capitol Police Chief Michael Sullivan during a news conference.

Sullivan elaborated that the suspect “reached the base of the steps leading to the Capitol before being apprehended.” Officers drew their weapons during the encounter. Camacho complied with the orders and was taken into custody without any injuries.

“Thanks to the rapid actions of the officers, no one was harmed,” stated the USCP.

Authorities reported that the suspect was equipped with a tactical vest and gloves and was in possession of multiple rounds of ammunition. A Kevlar helmet and gas mask were discovered inside the SUV, which was parked in front of the US Botanic Garden on Maryland Avenue, SW. Officials mentioned that the vehicle was not registered in his name.

“This individual had a tactical vest on,” Sullivan remarked, alongside “tactical gloves.”

“Who can tell what could have transpired if we didn’t have officers” at their posts, Sullivan added.

Camacho has been charged with Unlawful Activities, Carrying a Rifle without a License, Unregistered Firearm, and Unregistered Ammunition. Authorities indicated he was not previously known to the Capitol Police, and the USCP’s Threat Assessment Section is investigating to ascertain his motive.

Sullivan highlighted that routine preparedness drills were instrumental in the response. “Just last summer, we conducted an active threat exercise on the West Front of the US Capitol – in the exact location where today’s officers halted the suspect,” he stated. “These monthly exercises are planned in various areas of the Capitol Complex to ensure our officers are ready for potential threats just like this.”

“It’s worth mentioning that only a few months ago, we held an active shooter exercise right here on the West Front, almost in the same location. We conduct those active shooter drills every single month, and that’s the reason we do it,” Sullivan remarked.

The incident temporarily resulted in law enforcement closing traffic and advising the public to steer clear of the area. The Capitol appeared quieter than usual on Tuesday, with lawmakers absent from Washington due to a pre-scheduled recess.

Sullivan mentioned that the incident would not affect security preparations ahead of President Donald Trump’s upcoming State of the Union address to Congress.