May 6 (UPI) — A 45-year-old Texas man faces federal charges, including assault of federal officers, after allegedly firing a weapon near the Washington Monument this week, the Justice Department announced Wednesday.
In addition to the assault charge, Michael Marx is accused of using and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Law enforcement officials arrested Marx on Monday after he allegedly exchanged fire with Secret Service agents. A civilian bystander was injured in the leg and Marx sustained injuries in the hand, left arm and abdomen in the exchange.
Court documents said Secret Service officers were patrolling near the Washington Monument when they observed Marx with a weapon and approached him. He allegedly pulled out his gun and fired toward them.
The Justice Department said that while in an ambulance en route to George Washington University Hospital, Marx made statements to officials, including, “[expletive] the White House” and “kill me, kill me, kill me.”
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro said Marx had been near the path of a motorcade transporting Vice President JD Vance as he left the White House.
“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,” she said.
“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.”
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