WASHINGTON – National Guardsmen assigned to Joint Task Force - District of Columbia, supporting the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission, responded to a May 4 shooting at the National Mall and provided medical care to an injured bystander.
According to a Secret Service press statement by Deputy Director Matthew Quinn, agents patrolling the White House perimeter spotted a suspicious person who appeared to be carrying a firearm about 3:30 p.m. at 15th Street and Independence Avenue Southwest near the Washington Monument. The man, later identified as 45-year-old Michael Marx, was approached by uniformed officers. The man then tried to run, reached for a firearm and fired toward the officers. Officers returned fire and hit the man, resulting in multiple gunshot wounds.
A quick reaction force of National Guardsmen in the area responded to the sound of nearby gunshots.
“We were positioned at the corner of 14th Street and Constitution when we heard the gunshots," said U.S. Army Sgt. Lionel Duplessis, a combat medic from the Mississippi National Guard. “Once shots were here, we sprinted towards the scene.”
U.S. Army 2nd Lt. William Harger, platoon leader and U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Taurian Haynes, the platoon sergeant with the Mississippi National Guard, led the quick reaction force, which included Duplessis.
Guardsmen assisted U.S. Park Police in evacuating and securing the area and set up a 360-degree security perimeter. They also identified a teenage bystander who had minor injuries from a bullet ricochet, grazing both feet.
“While treating the patient, I focused on keeping the injured bystander calm,” Duplessis said. "I kept the situation under control as much as possible.”
The swift, meaningful responses by the quick reaction force highlight the National Guard’s unique role as a community-based force with the training, discipline and local knowledge to support law enforcement and enhance public safety.
"Our presence helps ensure that people can move safely and continue to appreciate the history of the city,” Duplessis said. "Having the ability to care for Guardsmen and the public is something I take pride in."
“We’re very proud of Sgt. Lionel Duplessis," said U.S. Army Col. Larry Doane, commander of Joint Task Force - District of Columbia. "I’m proud of the entire team and continually amazed by our Guardsmen who run towards danger to take care of their teammates, and most importantly, the citizens we’re here to defend.”