The White House was briefly placed under lockdown on Saturday evening after a gunman opened fire near a Secret Service checkpoint just outside the presidential complex in Washington, D.C. President Donald Trump was reportedly inside the White House at the time of the incident, though officials confirmed he was not harmed.
According to the U.S. Secret Service, the suspect approached a checkpoint near 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue shortly after 6 p.m. local time. Investigators say the individual pulled a firearm from a bag and began firing at officers stationed at the post. Secret Service agents immediately returned fire, striking the suspect. The man was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
A bystander was also injured during the exchange of gunfire. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the civilian was hit by bullets fired by the suspect or by returning fire from officers. No Secret Service personnel were reported injured. ([Reuters][1])
Panic spread across the White House grounds as the shooting unfolded. ABC News correspondent Selina Wang was filming on the White House north lawn when multiple gunshots rang out. Video shared online showed journalists and staff members taking cover as a rapid volley of shots echoed through the area. Wang later said it sounded like “dozens of gunshots” before reporters were rushed into the White House briefing room for safety.
Security forces quickly sealed off surrounding streets as heavily armed officers flooded the scene. The White House lockdown was later lifted after agents secured the area and confirmed there was no further threat. Officials stated that “no protectees or operations were impacted” during the incident.
Federal investigators, including the FBI and Secret Service, are continuing to examine the motive behind the attack. Early reports indicate the suspect may have had a history of mental health concerns and prior encounters with law enforcement near the White House complex.
