The White House was briefly placed on lockdown Saturday evening after gunfire broke out nearby, leaving at least two people shot, including one fatality.
According to law enforcement officials, a man approached a checkpoint at 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW around 6 p.m., pulled a weapon from a bag and opened fire at Secret Service officers stationed at the post.
Officers returned fire, striking the suspect, who was transported to a nearby hospital where he later died from his injuries. A bystander in the area was also struck during the incident, though it remains unclear whether the person was hit by the suspect’s initial shots or during the ensuing exchange of fire.
Shots fired near Pennsylvania Avenue
An NBC News team at the White House reported hearing between 20 and 30 gunshots at approximately 6:04 p.m. Secret Service agents promptly ordered reporters gathered outside on the North Lawn to take cover inside the press briefing room, where officers stood guard with weapons drawn as the facility went into lockdown.
The lockdown, which covered the White House grounds, was lifted at 6:46 p.m.
ABC News correspondent Selina Wang, who was filming a segment for social media at the White House at the time, ducked for cover along with her crew when the shots rang out.
FBI joins the response
The Secret Service confirmed in a statement that it was aware of reports of gunfire near the checkpoint and was working to verify information with personnel on the ground.
FBI Director Kash Patel said on social media platform X that the bureau had deployed to the scene and was supporting the Secret Service. ‘We will update the public as we’re able,’ Patel said.
No Secret Service members were reported injured during the incident, which remains under active investigation.
President Trump in the Oval Office
At the time of the shooting, President Donald Trump was in the Oval Office, working alongside aides including communications director Steven Cheung, Natalie Harp, Margo Martin and others, according to a White House official.
