Shooting Incident Near Washington Monument
A man from Texas, identified as Michael Marx, was involved in a shootout with Secret Service agents near the Washington Monument on Monday. During his transfer to the hospital, he reportedly shouted, “forget you, White House,” according to Jeanine Pirro, the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia.
“While on the way to the hospital, he repeated phrases like ‘Forget the White House’ and shouted ‘kill, kill, kill’ several times,” Pirro said in an interview.
On Wednesday, the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced that 45-year-old Marx has been indicted on three charges. These include assault on a federal officer with a dangerous weapon, using and discharging a firearm during a violent crime, and illegal possession of a firearm as a convicted felon.
According to authorities, Marx fired his weapon when a Secret Service agent, noticing he had a firearm, began to pursue him. After he fired at the agent, missing his target, a bullet struck an innocent bystander—a child—who was nearby.
In response, a Secret Service officer returned fire, hitting Marx multiple times. Medical aid was provided, and he was subsequently taken to a hospital.
Pirro stated, “This case highlights how someone brought illegal firearms into downtown D.C., opened fire on Secret Service agents, and tragically shot an innocent civilian crossing the street with their family.”
The shooting happened as Vice President J.D. Vance was leaving the White House in a motorcade down the same street where the incident occurred.
Pirro emphasized that her office intends to pursue severe legal actions against those escalating gun violence, particularly near governmental areas. Investigators found a Sig Sauer P365 handgun with 9mm ammunition at the scene. Moreover, they discovered that Marx, who is not allowed to possess a firearm in Washington, D.C., was using at least two aliases: Patrick Michael and Michael Zavisi.
The investigation is ongoing, and statements have been sought from both the Secret Service and local officials.
