A chaotic scene unfolded just blocks from the White House on Saturday after the United States Secret Service shot an armed suspect near 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW, with a bystander also struck during the incident. President Donald Trump was reportedly inside the White House at the time of the incident.
According to multiple reports, both individuals were transported in critical condition following the shooting.
Journalists working inside the White House complex reported hearing what sounded like a rapid burst of gunfire before being ordered to shelter inside the press briefing room as law enforcement secured the area.
In a statement posted to X, the Secret Service confirmed it was “aware of reports of shots fired near 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW”. It said officials were working to verify details with personnel on the ground.
Kash Patel, director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, also confirmed federal agents were responding to the shooting, writing that authorities would “update the public as we’re able.”
ABC News White House correspondent Selina Wang shared dramatic social media video moments after the gunfire erupted, describing the sound as “dozens of gunshots” as reporters ducked for cover outside the White House grounds.
Saturday’s shooting marks the latest in a string of alarming security incidents near the White House complex.
Less than three weeks ago, a man allegedly brandishing a firearm reportedly opened fire on a Secret Service officer near the route of JD Vance’s motorcade outside the White House. According to the Department of Justice, a civilian standing behind the officer was struck in the leg during that confrontation, while officers returned fire and wounded the suspect in the hand, arm, and abdomen.
The latest gunfire also comes roughly one month after what law enforcement officials described as an attempted assassination plot targeting President Trump during the annual White House Correspondents’ Association dinner in Washington.
The shooting remains under active investigation, and authorities have not yet publicly identified the suspect, revealed a motive, or clarified the circumstances surrounding the bystander being struck.
The surrounding area saw a heavy law enforcement presence Saturday evening as federal agencies continued securing the scene and gathering evidence.
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