Washington, May 24: A shooting incident occurred near the White House on Saturday evening, resulting in the attacker being neutralized by Secret Service officers.
During the incident, a bystander was injured. At the time, President Donald Trump was inside the White House and is reported to be safe.
The shooting took place around 6 PM near the intersection of 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW, close to the White House and the Eisenhower Executive Office Building.
Anthony Guglielmi, Chief of Communications for the Secret Service, stated, “At approximately 6 PM, an individual drew a weapon from their bag and opened fire near 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue.”
The Secret Service reported that their officers responded, resulting in the attacker being shot. The individual was transported to a hospital, where they were pronounced dead.
The statement also noted that a civilian was injured during the shooting, but no injuries were reported among the officers.
Authorities have not yet disclosed the identity of the attacker or the motive behind the assault. There is also no official update on the condition of the injured bystander.
The agency confirmed that President Trump was present in the White House during the incident, stating, “The President was in the White House, but this event did not affect his security or official duties.”
Following the incident, the entire White House complex was placed on lockdown for a period. Armed Secret Service officers were deployed on the North Lawn, and security teams quickly escorted journalists and staff to the press briefing room.
According to CNN, journalists present were instructed to remain in place. Agents repeatedly warned them to “get down” and that “shots were being fired.”
Reporters near the White House reported hearing multiple gunshots. Alison Roberts, a photographer for The New York Times, mentioned hearing “about 20 to 30 shots” from outside the press room.
She noted in a text message, “Journalists heard gunfire from outside, and then the Secret Service quickly ushered everyone inside.”
ABC News reporter Celina Wang also described the fear and chaos following the incident. She wrote on social media platform X, “I was recording a social video from the White House North Lawn when we heard gunfire. It sounded like dozens of shots. We were then told to rush to the press briefing room, where we are currently waiting.”
FBI Director Kash Patel stated that the bureau is assisting in the investigation.
Patel wrote on X, “The FBI is also on the scene and is helping the Secret Service with the shooting incident near the White House. We will update the public as more information becomes available.”
The Secret Service confirmed that the investigation is ongoing and more information will be shared later. Multiple agencies, including the FBI, Metropolitan Police Department, and National Guard, responded to the scene, while surrounding roads were closed for several hours.
This incident occurred less than a month after another shooting that impacted the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner in Washington, which was attended by journalists, lawmakers, and senior administration officials.
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