A suspect accused of firing shots in downtown Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, coinciding with Vice President JD Vance’s motorcade passing through, reportedly shouted “f–k the White House” while being transported to the hospital. This detail emerged as authorities identified the shooter.
The alleged gunman, Michael Marx from Midland, Texas, was named by D.C. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro. He is accused of wounding a bystander during an exchange of gunfire with Secret Service agents that occurred around 3:40 p.m.
According to a criminal complaint, the 45-year-old suspect, who sustained three gunshot wounds, was heard exclaiming “f–k the White House” and repeatedly screaming “kill me! Kill me! Kill me!” in an ambulance en route to George Washington University Hospital.
The dramatic event unfolded in the vicinity of the Washington Monument and the National Mall. It began when a plainclothes Secret Service agent reportedly noticed Marx attempting to conceal a firearm on his person near 15th Street and Madison Drive, as outlined in court documents.
The agent promptly called for reinforcement, leading to the arrival of a team of Secret Service officers. They located Marx near 15th Street Southwest and Independence Avenue Southwest, reportedly walking along the path recently traveled by Vice President Vance’s motorcade, according to the documents.
As agents exited their vehicles and issued commands, Marx allegedly fled across the street amidst a crowd of bystanders while drawing a gun from his waistband, the complaint states.
Once Marx was on the other side of the street he turned around and fired at one agent, striking a kid in the leg as he was out with his family, the court papers claim.
The agents “returned fire” hitting Marx in the hand, left arm and upper stomach, the complaint alleges.
The victim — a juvenile — was taken to a hospital and treated for non-life threatening injuries.
Officers recovered a Sig Sauer P365 pistol and 9mm bullets in the magazine from the scene, the complaint says.
Marx didn’t have a license to carry in DC and he allegedly had a prior conviction in Florida for drug trafficking.
“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,” Pirro said in a statement.
“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.”
He is charged with 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.
It was not immediately known who was legally representing Marx.
The shooting happened less than two weeks after Cole Allen allegedly opened fire in the Washington Hilton Hotel during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner where President Trump, wife Melania and his top cabinet members were in attendance.
The soirée was evacuated and one Secret Service agent was struck by Allen’s bullet but was saved by his bullet-proof vest.
Allen is charged with trying to kill the president and related crimes. He’s yet to enter a plea in the case.
