A Midland, Texas, man is facing multiple federal charges after authorities say he opened fire near the National Mall in Washington, D.C., injuring a civilian bystander and prompting a response from U.S. Secret Service officers along the route of Vice President J.D. Vance's motorcade.
According to federal officials, 45-year-old Michael Marx of Midland was charged in U.S. District Court following the May 4 shooting near the Washington Monument. Prosecutors allege Marx carried an illegal firearm into a heavily secured area of Washington, D.C., before firing at pursuing Secret Service officers near a crowded intersection.
"We will prove this defendant carried an illegal firearm into the heart of Washington, D.C., opened fire at Secret Service officers near a crowded intersection, and shot an innocent bystander who was simply crossing the street with his family," said U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Marx faces three federal charges: assaulting federal officers with a dangerous weapon, using and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
According to court documents, the incident began around 3:40 p.m. when a plainclothes Secret Service agent observed Marx allegedly concealing a firearm near 15th Street and Madison Drive NW. At the same time, Vice President Vance's motorcade was departing the White House and traveling through the area.
Authorities say uniformed officers approached Marx, who then fled on Independence Avenue SW toward pedestrians crossing the street. During the pursuit, investigators allege Marx drew a handgun and fired at officers. A civilian standing behind one of the officers was struck in the leg by gunfire.
Officers returned fire, striking Marx multiple times before taking him into custody. Federal officials said Marx shouted anti- White House remarks while being transported to the hospital.
The shooting has raised renewed concerns about security around federal landmarks and high-level government movements in Washington, particularly crowded areas near the National Mall. Federal prosecutors say they intend to pursue the most serious charges available in the case.
