A suspected gunman was shot dead and a bystander injured after multiple shots were fired near the White House on Saturday evening, triggering a major security response while US President Donald Trump was inside the complex.
The shooting unfolded near the corner of 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington DC at about 6pm local time.
In a statement, the United States Secret Service said the suspect removed a firearm from a bag and “began firing” before officers returned fire.
“Secret Service police officers returned fire, striking the suspect, who was transported to an area hospital, where he later died,” the statement said.
The agency confirmed one bystander was also struck by gunfire during the exchange, while no Secret Service officers were injured.
FBI is on the scene and supporting Secret Service responding to shots fired near White House grounds – we will update the public as we’re able
— FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) May 23, 2026
According to US media reports, as many as 30 shots were heard during the incident.
Senior ABC White House correspondent Selina Wang posted on X that she was filming on the White House North Lawn when the shooting erupted.
I was in the middle of taping on my iPhone for a social video from the White House North Lawn when we heard the shots. It sounded like dozens of gunshots. We were told to sprint to the press briefing room where we are holding now. pic.twitter.com/iqdQwh4soq
— Selina Wang (@selinawangtv) May 23, 2026
The Secret Service said Trump was inside the White House at the time but “no protectees or operations were impacted”.
The incident comes amid heightened security concerns surrounding Trump, who has faced multiple alleged assassination attempts during his political career.