A Maryland man, Damarqus Moore, aged 33, has been indicted on a federal firearms charge as part of the "Make D.C. Safe Again" initiative. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin Jr., Special Agent in Charge Anthony Spotswood from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
The initiative, led by U.S. Attorney Martin, aims to address gun violence in the District, prioritize federal firearms violations, pursue tougher penalties for offenders, and seek detention for federal firearms violators.
Moore is charged in an indictment in federal court with possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. As detailed in court documents, MPD officers observed, on January 13, 2025, a vehicle with illegal window tint and no front license plate idling in the area of 5826 Dix Street NE, Washington, D.C. Officers identified that the license plate was registered to a different vehicle. Moore was subsequently arrested, and MDMA tablets were found on his person. While searching the automobile, officers discovered a .40 caliber firearm lodged in the steering column, which was loaded and had an obliterated serial number.
Moore has been convicted previously of multiple felony offenses in Maryland, including first-degree murder and robbery with a dangerous weapon. The case is currently being investigated by the ATF Washington Field Office and the Metropolitan Police Department.
An indictment is a formal accusation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.