Washington, May 24: A gunman who opened fire near the White House on Saturday evening was shot dead by Secret Service officers after an exchange of gunfire close to the executive complex, officials said. A bystander was also injured during the incident, while President Donald Trump, who was inside the White House at the time, was unharmed.
The shooting occurred shortly after 6 p.m. near the intersection of 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW, an area close to the White House grounds and the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. Security personnel responded swiftly after the suspect reportedly pulled a firearm from a bag and began firing.
Secret Service Chief of Communications Anthony Guglielmi said in a statement that officers immediately reacted to the threat. “Shortly after 6 p.m. Saturday, an individual in the area of 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue pulled a weapon from his bag and began firing,” he said.
According to the Secret Service, officers returned fire and struck the suspect, who was taken to a nearby hospital where he was later pronounced dead.
Authorities confirmed that a bystander was also hit by gunfire during the exchange. Officials did not immediately release details regarding the victim’s identity or condition, though media reports indicated that the individual was in critical condition. No Secret Service personnel were injured.
Officials have not identified the suspect or revealed any possible motive behind the attack.
The White House complex was temporarily placed under lockdown as heavily armed security teams rushed to secure the area. Journalists and staff members on the premises were instructed to shelter in place, with reports of repeated gunfire creating moments of panic.
The FBI later confirmed it had joined the investigation. FBI Director Kash Patel said the agency was assisting the Secret Service and would provide updates as more information became available.
Multiple law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, Metropolitan Police Department, and National Guard personnel, responded as roads around the White House remained closed for several hours. Investigations into the incident are ongoing.
