Tel Aviv, May 24: A shooting incident occurred outside the White House on Saturday, where gunfire erupted near the official residence and workplace of the U.S. President. The assailant was shot dead in a swift response by security personnel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the attack, labeling it as an act of political violence.
In a post on the social media platform X, Netanyahu expressed relief that U.S. President Donald Trump and his closest ally, Israel, were unharmed, noting that the assailant did not inflict significant damage. He stated, “There have been repeated attempts on President Trump’s life. This political violence must be condemned in the clearest and strongest terms.”
The shooter was neutralized by Secret Service agents, and one bystander sustained injuries during the incident. At the time, President Trump was present in the White House and was reported to be safe. The shooting took place around 6 PM near 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW, close to the White House and the Eisenhower Executive Office Building.
The Secret Service reported that their officers responded promptly, resulting in the assailant being shot. He was transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The statement also mentioned that a civilian was injured during the shooting, but no injuries were reported among the officials.
Following the incident, the entire White House complex was placed on lockdown for a period. Armed Secret Service agents were deployed to the North Lawn, and security teams quickly escorted journalists and staff to the press briefing room. According to CNN, reporters on the scene were instructed to remain in place as agents issued warnings such as “get down” and “shots fired.”
Journalists nearby reported hearing multiple gunshots. Alison Roberts, a photographer for The New York Times, stated in a text message, “Reporters heard gunfire from outside, and then the Secret Service quickly ushered everyone inside.”
Trump later used the shooting as an opportunity to advocate for his new ballroom construction project, which will replace the eastern wing of the White House. He wrote on Truth Social that the deceased individual may have had a particular interest in the Executive Office Building. He also praised the Secret Service personnel for their prompt and decisive action, emphasizing the need for future presidents to ensure the safety of this location in Washington, D.C. “Our nation’s national security demands it!” he added.
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