WASHINGTON — Federal prosecutors revealed disturbing details about a gunman who exchanged fire with law enforcement officers close to the Washington Monument earlier this week, including offensive statements he made about the White House following his arrest.
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro disclosed in a Tuesday evening ABC News interview that the individual will face federal charges for assaulting a federal officer and using a firearm during a violent offense.
After being wounded several times in Monday’s shootout, the gunman made crude remarks while being transported for medical treatment, stating “‘F the White House,’ and ‘Kill me, kill me, kill me’ — three times,” according to Pirro’s account.
ABC News reported that a teenage bystander sustained non-life-threatening injuries in the incident and has since been discharged from the hospital. Law enforcement officials have not yet determined if the suspect had specific targets in mind.
Secret Service Deputy Director Matt Quinn explained during Monday’s press briefing that undercover agents initially noticed the individual near the White House grounds and observed what appeared to be a concealed weapon. The agents tracked him briefly before alerting uniformed personnel.
When Secret Service officers moved to confront him, the suspect attempted to escape, Quinn explained. According to Quinn, the man opened fire on the officers, prompting them to shoot back in response.
The shooting occurred while President Donald Trump was conducting a small business gathering at the White House, resulting in a temporary security lockdown while authorities responded to the situation.
Quinn informed media representatives that he was uncertain whether the incident specifically targeted Trump “but we will find out.”
This incident follows another security breach from just over a week earlier, when California resident Cole Tomas Allen attempted to force his way into the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner while carrying firearms and bladed weapons. Allen faces charges of attempting to assassinate the president and shooting at a Secret Service agent.
