Michael Marx, a 45-year-old man from Texas, has been identified as the suspect involved in a shooting incident on the National Mall in Washington D.C. on Monday afternoon. The encounter, which occurred near the White House, resulted in Marx sustaining multiple non-life-threatening gunshot wounds from Secret Service agents who returned fire. A juvenile bystander was also injured during the exchange.
The incident began when Secret Service agents noticed an individual, later identified as Marx, who appeared to be carrying a firearm. When officers attempted to engage with him, Marx reportedly fled the scene and discharged his weapon toward the agents.
Michael Marx, 45, is hospitalized with injuries sustained during the confrontation. Authorities have indicated he will likely face criminal charges. A 15-year-old bystander also sustained a gunshot wound to the leg, with their injuries not considered serious. The Secret Service stated the juvenile was inadvertently caught in the crossfire.
The shooting prompted a brief lockdown of the White House and an evacuation of the North Lawn. The incident took place blocks from the White House, during an event attended by President Donald Trump.
Background of the Incident
According to Matt Quinn, the deputy director of the Secret Service, the plainclothes officers first observed Marx due to his suspicious behavior and apparent possession of a firearm. Uniformed officers then approached him. Marx, who was reportedly carrying a Texas driver's license, attempted to flee before firing at the agents.
Read More: Man jailed for stabbing friend over stolen Viking treasure
The exact motive behind Marx's actions remains unclear. The incident occurred on a day when President Trump was hosting a Small Business Summit inside the White House. This event follows closely on the heels of another security scare involving a suspect at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner.
