New Evidence Reveals Chicago Shooting
New body camera footage, text messages, and other documents reveal key details about Marimar Martinez’s shooting last year in Chicago. Border Patrol agent Charles Exum shot Martinez five times. She had been accused of using her car to assault federal officers, but authorities dismissed the case in November.
The U.S. attorney’s office released the evidence after a judge ordered it made public. Footage from another agent at the scene shows what happened before and after the shooting, since Exum’s body camera was not active.
Tense Moments Captured on Video
In the footage, agents hold their weapons as they confront the situation. One agent says, “It’s time to get aggressive and get the f— out, because they’re trying to box us in.” Another says, “We’re going to make contact and we’re boxed in.”
Exum sharply turns the steering wheel, followed by the jolt of a collision. He exits the car, and five gunshots ring out shortly afterward.
Text Messages Show Leadership Support
Texts from Exum show he received extensive support after the shooting. In one reply, he wrote, “Everyone has been including Chief Bovino, Chief Banks, Sec Noem and El Jefe himself … according to Bovino.” He referred to former Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino, Chief Michael Banks, and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
Hours later, Bovino emailed Exum offering to extend his retirement past age 57, praising his service in Chicago.
Martinez’s Team Speaks Out
Martinez and her attorneys called her “a victim of a horrific violent crime” and said the evidence disproves false narratives. After the judge allowed the texts to be public, lawyer Chris Parente told reporters, “This man, after shooting a woman who did nothing, is texting friends to joke and brag about it.”
