A federal grand jury has indicted Brenden Sackal, a 32-year-old resident of Rockville, Rhode Island, on charges of assaulting federal officers with a deadly weapon and related firearms offenses. The indictment was announced by the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont on May 29, 2025. Sackal is accused of discharging a machine gun at five U.S. Border Patrol agents on July 14, 2024.
The allegations state that Sackal used a privately manufactured 5.56 caliber AR-type pistol, classified as a machine gun under the National Firearms Act, which requires such weapons to be registered and bear a serial number. Sackal’s weapon reportedly lacked both registration and identification.
The United States Attorney’s Office highlighted that these are allegations and Sackal remains presumed innocent until proven guilty in court. If convicted on all counts, he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 30 years to life imprisonment. The final sentence will be determined by the District Court based on advisory guidelines and statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher praised the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Vermont State Police. He stated, “Anyone who discharges a firearm at a federal law enforcement officer will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.” Drescher also acknowledged the efforts of U.S. Border Patrol, Customs and Border Protection, Vermont State Police, and Orleans County Sheriff’s Department in apprehending Sackal.
Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt is prosecuting the case while Mark Kaplan represents Sackal.
This case falls under Operation Take Back America, an initiative by the Department of Justice aimed at combating illegal immigration and dismantling criminal organizations through coordinated efforts across various task forces.
