An 18-year-old man who ran towards the United States Capitol with a loaded shotgun and ammunition was arrested

The detainee has been identified as Carter Camacho, Georgia resident, and faces charges of unlawful activities, carrying a rifle without a license and possession of an unregistered firearm and ammunition.

As reported by the city police, the young man parked a white Mercedes van on Maryland Avenue and headed towards the Capitol at high speed.

The head of the force, Michael G. Sullivan, has explained to local media that the agents have managed to intercept him on a staircase near the west façade, where they have pointed their weapons at him and ordered him to drop the shotgun. The suspect, who immediately complied, was arrested at the scene.

The authorities have detailed that the man had with him a tactical vest, gloves and extra ammunition. A Kevlar helmet and a gas mask were also found inside the vehicle.

Congress was not in session this week, but the episode occurs in a context of increase in threats against legislatorsfollowing an uptick in investigations into concerning communications and conduct directed against members of Congress and the Capitol complex.