A teenager from Georgia who dashed toward the U.S. Capitol with a loaded shotgun, wearing body armor and camouflage, has pleaded guilty to a federal firearms charge. Carter Camacho, 18, of Smyrna, Georgia, appeared in court on Monday to enter the plea, nearly five months after his arrest on February 17. Court records show that Camacho, who was 17 at the time of the incident, admitted to illegally carrying a firearm on Capitol grounds.

According to prosecutors, Camacho drove from Georgia to Washington, D.C., less than a week after buying the shotgun, which he claimed was for “home defense.” Surveillance footage captured him exiting a parked car and running toward the west side of the Capitol with the weapon in hand. He stopped and complied when Capitol Police officers ordered him to the ground. Officers later found pepper spray and other tactical gear in his car.

During questioning, Camacho told police he intended to confront members of Congress and “scare them into speaking the truth.” He also indicated that he had considered using the shotgun to breach a door to gain entry to the Capitol building, prosecutors wrote in court documents. However, he never made it inside, and no injuries were reported.

Camacho’s plea covers two counts: illegal possession of a firearm on Capitol grounds and receipt or distribution of child pornography. The child pornography charge stems from a forensic examination of his phone after his arrest, revealing illicit material. The case has drawn attention to the ongoing security challenges at the Capitol, which remains a high-profile target for individuals with grievances.

U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta is scheduled to sentence Camacho on December 8. The defendant has been in custody since his arrest. His attorney did not comment outside the courtroom. The plea agreement likely includes a recommended sentence range, though the judge retains discretion. The incident underscores the thin line between a deterred threat and a potential tragedy, as Capitol Police continue to adapt to evolving security risks.

Camacho’s actions, while ultimately unsuccessful, highlighted the vulnerability of the Capitol’s perimeter. The building and its grounds have seen a series of security breaches in recent years, prompting calls for increased funding and training for the police force. This case, however, also raises questions about how a teenager with a weapon could drive hundreds of miles and approach the seat of American democracy without being intercepted earlier. Authorities have not detailed whether Camacho had any prior contact with law enforcement or mental health services.

The child pornography charge adds a troubling dimension to the case, suggesting that Camacho’s criminal behavior extended beyond the firearm incident. Legal experts say the dual convictions could lead to a lengthy prison sentence, especially given the seriousness of both offenses. For now, the Capitol remains on alert, and the case serves as a reminder that threats can emerge from unexpected places, including from within the country itself.