A Rhode Island man, Brenden Sackal, 32, has been charged with multiple offenses following an alleged assault on federal officers. The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that a federal grand jury returned a superseding indictment against Sackal on May 29, 2025. He is accused of assaulting five U.S. Border Patrol agents using a machine gun and faces several charges including possessing and discharging an unregistered machine gun.
The incident reportedly took place on July 14, 2024, when Sackal allegedly used a privately manufactured AR-type pistol in the assault. This weapon is claimed to be a machine gun that was not registered nor bore the required serial number as per the National Firearms Act.
Acting United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher stated: “Anyone who discharges a firearm at a federal law enforcement officer will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.” He commended various law enforcement agencies for their efforts in apprehending Sackal.
Sackal's federal arraignment date remains undetermined. If convicted on all counts, he could face a mandatory minimum sentence of 30 years up to life imprisonment. The actual sentencing would be guided by statutory factors and advisory guidelines.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt, while Mark Kaplan represents Sackal.
This prosecution falls under Operation Take Back America, which aims to combat illegal immigration and transnational criminal organizations through coordinated efforts from various Department of Justice initiatives.
