Michael Marx, 45, of Midland, Texas, was charged on May 6 in U.S. District Court for a shooting that took place near the Washington Monument on the National Mall. The incident occurred on May 4 and resulted in a civilian bystander being struck by gunfire, according to U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
The case is significant because it involves an alleged act of gun violence close to major government landmarks and during the passage of the Vice President's motorcade.
"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 Pirro. "My office will pursue the most serious charges available against anyone who brings gun violence to our streets, particularly when that violence unfolds steps from the seat of our government and the path of the Vice President of the United States."
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, around 3:40 p.m. on May 4, a plainclothes Secret Service agent observed Marx appearing to conceal a firearm near 15th Street and Madison Drive NW. The agent requested backup as Vice President J.D. Vance's motorcade passed through nearby intersections. Uniformed officers located Marx along this route; as they approached him he moved toward civilians crossing the street before fleeing east on Independence Avenue SW.
During pursuit Marx drew his weapon while running through a crosswalk toward bystanders and fired at one officer once he reached the sidewalk; this shot wounded a civilian witness standing behind that officer in his leg. Officers returned fire striking Marx multiple times before taking him into custody at 15th Street and Independence Avenue SW where medical aid was rendered.
Authorities recovered a Sig Sauer P365 handgun loaded with ammunition from where Marx fell; records show he does not have authorization to carry firearms in Washington D.C., and investigators also identified aliases including Patrick Michael and Michael Zavici.
The investigation is ongoing under direction from U.S. Secret Service Washington Field Office while Assistant U.S. Attorney Caelainn Carney is prosecuting.
