Federal authorities have launched an active investigation following a shooting involving United States Secret Service agents near the White House on Monday afternoon.
According to officials, 45-year-old Michael Marx of Texas was taken into custody after sustaining non-life-threatening injuries during an exchange of gunfire. The incident occurred near 15th Street and Madison Drive Northwest in Washington, D.C., prompting a rapid and heavily coordinated law enforcement response.
Secret Service Deputy Director Matthew Quinn stated that plainclothes agents initially observed Marx and identified what appeared to be a weapon. When agents approached, the suspect reportedly fled on foot before allegedly drawing a firearm and firing toward officers. Agents returned fire, striking him and bringing the situation under control.
Emergency dispatch audio captured the urgency of the response as officers rushed to secure the area. Witnesses described hearing a rapid series of gunshots, creating panic among pedestrians and nearby visitors. “I heard shots, a lot of them. It was definitely a scary moment,” one individual reported.
During the incident, a teenage bystander—believed to be a tourist—was grazed by a ricocheted bullet. Authorities confirmed the injury was superficial and not life-threatening.
The shooting occurred shortly after the motorcade of JD Vance passed through the vicinity. However, officials emphasized that there is currently no evidence suggesting the suspect specifically targeted the vice president or the White House.
As a precaution, media personnel on the White House grounds were instructed to shelter in place while law enforcement, including National Guard units, secured the scene. A weapon was recovered, and investigators are now working to determine the suspect’s motive and whether any political connection exists.
Officials reaffirmed that security operations in the area remain constant and thorough as the investigation continues.
