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WASHINGTON — A Texas man who allegedly opened fire on Secret Service agents near the Washington Monument earlier this week has been formally charged, federal prosecutors announced Wednesday. The suspect remains hospitalized after being shot by agents during the confrontation .
The suspect, identified as Michael Marx, 45, of Midland, Texas, 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 .
🚨 The Incident
The shooting occurred around 3:40 p.m. Monday near the intersection of 15th Street and Independence Avenue SW, just south of the White House complex . According to court documents, a plainclothes Secret Service agent first noticed Marx appearing to conceal a firearm near 15th Street and Madison Drive NW .
At the same time, Vice President JD Vance’s motorcade was departing the White House and passing through the area. Uniformed Secret Service officers responded and located Marx along the path of the motorcade .
When officers approached and issued verbal commands, Marx fled east on Independence Avenue, pulling a handgun from his waistband while running through a crosswalk toward bystanders .
As Marx reached the sidewalk, he turned and fired at one of the pursuing officers. A 15-year-old bystander standing behind the officer was struck in the leg by gunfire and sustained a non-life-threatening graze wound . Secret Service officers returned fire, striking Marx in the hand, left arm, and upper abdomen .
🗣️ Statements Made to Officers
After the shooting, while being transported to George Washington University Hospital in an ambulance, Marx “made statements to officers including “F— the White House” and “Kill me, kill me, kill me” three times,” according to a news release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office and a criminal complaint . While officers rendered aid at the scene, Marx “spit at the officers” as they attempted to help him, the complaint said .
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro confirmed the expletive-laced remark about the White House during an interview with ABC News, adding that Marx “said it multiple times” . A Texas driver’s license found on Marx was used to identify him .
🔫 Firearm Recovered
Investigators recovered a Sig Sauer P365 handgun loaded with 9mm ammunition from the area where Marx collapsed . Law enforcement confirmed that Marx does not hold a license to carry a handgun in the District of Columbia .
President Trump was hosting an event inside the White House at the time of the shooting, and the White House was briefly placed on lockdown as authorities investigated . The Secret Service stated that President Trump “was not in any danger” .
🎯 Investigation and Motive
It remains unclear whether Marx had a specific target or whether his actions were politically motivated. Secret Service Deputy Director Matt Quinn said earlier this week that “whether or not it was directed to the president or not, I don’t know, but we will find out” .
The incident came just over a week after Cole Tomas Allen, a 31-year-old California man, was charged with attempting to assassinate President Trump at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner at the Washington Hilton .
Marx remains in the hospital with multiple gunshot wounds but is listed in stable condition . The 15-year-old bystander has since been released from the hospital .
📋 Key Takeaways
| Aspect | Summary |
|---|---|
| Suspect | Michael Marx, 45, of Midland, Texas |
| Charges | Assault on federal officer, firearm use during crime of violence, felon in possession |
| Date/Time | May 4, 2026, approx. 3:40 p.m. |
| Location | 15th Street and Independence Avenue SW (near Washington Monument) |
| Weapon | Sig Sauer P365 9mm handgun |
| Bystander | 15-year-old male, graze wound to leg, released from hospital |
| Vice President | JD Vance’s motorcade was passing through the area at the time |
| Suspect’s Status | Hospitalized with gunshot wounds, stable condition |
| Prosecutor | U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro |
| Statements Made | “F— the White House” and “Kill me, kill me, kill me” |
| Aliases | Patrick Michael, Michael Zavici |
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