Robert Morris, a 49-year-old resident of Honolulu, was arrested and charged following an armed standoff with federal law enforcement, according to Acting United States Attorney Ken Sorenson. The incident began on October 21, 2025, when federal agents attempted to execute a search warrant at Morris’s home. Before officers could enter, Morris fired several shots from inside the residence, injuring a DEA Task Force Officer. Law enforcement returned fire into the residence.
After the initial exchange of gunfire, Morris refused to leave his home and engaged in a standoff with authorities that lasted approximately sixteen hours. During this period, he broadcasted live video from inside the residence via Facebook Live. Eventually, Morris surrendered and was taken into custody by law enforcement. Officers recovered a .40 caliber firearm from the scene, which Morris admitted using during the shootout.
Morris faces several charges: assaulting a federal officer with a deadly or dangerous weapon, using a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. If convicted on all counts, he could face up to 20 years in prison for assaulting an officer, up to 15 years for being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition, and between 25 years to life for using a firearm during a violent crime—this last sentence would be consecutive to any other imposed sentences.
“The charges in the criminal complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. In the case of conviction, any sentence would be imposed by a United States District Judge based on the statutory sentencing factors and the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines,” according to information provided by authorities.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is leading the investigation with support from several agencies including the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Honolulu Police Department, and Hawaii Department of Law Enforcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Albanese is prosecuting the case.
Authorities noted that this case falls under Operation Take Back America—a national initiative focused on combating illegal immigration as well as eliminating cartels and transnational criminal organizations while protecting communities from violent crime through coordinated efforts involving multiple Justice Department programs.
