Michael Marx, a 45‑year‑old from Midland, Texas, faces three federal charges after firing on Secret Service agents near the White House on May 6. Prosecutors allege he used a 9‑mm handgun, an illegal firearm for a convicted felon, and opened fire in a crowded area, striking a 15‑year‑old bystander. No officers were wounded.

Shots rang out just south of the White House around 3:30 p.m., as Vice President J.D. Vance departed in a motorcade. Agents confronted Marx, who emerged from a crowd and drew his weapon. Officers fired, striking Marx in the hand, left arm and upper abdomen, while the 15‑year‑old suffered a non‑life‑threatening leg wound.

Marx, who has used aliases such as Patrick Michael and Michael Zavici, was convicted of drug trafficking in Florida 15 years ago. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro said prosecutors would prove he carried an illegal firearm into Washington, opened fire on Secret Service officers, and shot an innocent bystander. He remains in custody.

The incident follows a week‑earlier attack at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner, where a gunman was charged with attempting to assassinate the president. Security reviews are expected to intensify around the National Mall, potentially affecting tourism and event planning. The case underscores the ongoing vulnerability of federal sites to armed threats.