Michael Marx has been indicted in U.S. District Court on charges of assaulting federal officers, using a dangerous weapon, and using a firearm during a crime of violence related to a shooting near the Washington Monument on May 4, 2026. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro stated that prosecutors will demonstrate that Marx carried an illegal firearm into downtown Washington, D.C., opened fire on Secret Service officers, and struck an innocent bystander crossing the street.
Court records indicate that the incident occurred at approximately 3:40 p.m. when a Secret Service agent observed Marx appearing to conceal a firearm near 15th Street and Madison Drive NW. The agent alerted the Secret Service Joint Operations Center for backup. At that time, the motorcade of Vice President JD Vance was departing the White House and moving through the area.
Uniformed Secret Service officers located Marx along the motorcade route. When approached, Marx fled toward a group of civilians and allegedly drew a firearm while running through a crosswalk. He turned and fired at one of the pursuing officers, resulting in a civilian being struck in the leg. Officers returned fire, injuring Marx in the hand, left arm, and upper body.
Marx was later transported to a hospital, where he reportedly made statements to officers. He has been charged with several crimes related to the incident and is expected to make his first court appearance on Friday before a magistrate judge.