Quick Glance
- Armed suspect opened fire near the White House on Saturday evening.
- Secret Service officers shot the gunman during an exchange of fire.
- President Donald Trump remained inside the White House and was unharmed.
- FBI and multiple security agencies launched a joint investigation into the incident.
Washington/Agartala: A major security scare unfolded near the White House in Washington DC on Saturday evening after a gunman opened fire close to the executive complex. Secret Service officers responded immediately and killed the suspect during a shootout. President Donald Trump was inside the White House at the time but escaped unharmed.
Gunfire Breaks Out Near White House
Panic gripped central Washington DC after gunshots rang out near the White House shortly after 6 p.m. local time. The shooting occurred near the intersection of 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW, a heavily secured area located close to the White House grounds and the Eisenhower Executive Office Building.
According to US officials, an armed individual removed a firearm from a bag and started shooting in a public area. Secret Service officers stationed nearby reacted within seconds and returned fire.
Authorities later confirmed that the suspect died after sustaining gunshot wounds during the exchange.
President Donald Trump Safe During Incident
Officials stated that President Donald Trump was inside the White House when the shooting erupted outside the complex. However, the incident did not affect presidential security operations.
The Secret Service said no protectees faced any threat during the episode. Security teams immediately tightened surveillance across the White House campus and activated emergency response measures.
The White House complex briefly entered lockdown mode as heavily armed personnel spread across the North Lawn and surrounding streets.
Bystander Injured Amid Exchange of Fire
Apart from the suspect, a civilian also suffered injuries during the shooting. Authorities have not yet released the identity of the injured person.
Reports from US media outlets indicated that the bystander remained in critical condition at a nearby hospital. However, officials did not immediately confirm those details publicly.
Importantly, no Secret Service officer suffered injuries during the encounter.
Secret Service Details Initial Sequence
US Secret Service Chief of Communications Anthony Guglielmi released an official statement explaining the initial moments of the incident.
He said the suspect suddenly pulled out a weapon from a bag and started firing near 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue. Officers quickly engaged the attacker to neutralize the threat.
Authorities later transported the suspect to a hospital, where doctors declared him dead.
Investigators have not disclosed the suspect’s identity so far. Officials also remain silent about any possible motive behind the attack.
White House Press Corps Ordered to Take Cover
The shooting caused chaos among journalists and staff members stationed near the White House.
According to media reports, Secret Service agents instructed reporters to immediately shelter inside the press briefing room after warning them about active gunfire.
Several journalists later described the frightening moments as repeated shots echoed through the area.
Allison Robbert, a photographer associated with The New York Times, said she heard nearly 20 to 30 gunshots outside the press room area.
She added that security officials quickly escorted journalists indoors once the situation intensified.
ABC News correspondent Selina Wang also shared her experience on social media. She stated that she was recording a video from the White House North Lawn when multiple shots suddenly erupted nearby.
Wang said security personnel immediately instructed members of the media to run toward secure shelter areas.
FBI Joins Investigation
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that federal investigators had joined the inquiry into the incident.
He stated that FBI personnel were assisting the Secret Service and supporting the ongoing response operation near the White House grounds.
Several law enforcement agencies rushed to the area following the shooting. These included the Metropolitan Police Department, FBI teams and National Guard personnel.
Authorities also sealed several roads surrounding the White House complex for hours as investigators collected evidence and secured the scene.
Security Concerns Rise in Washington
The latest shooting incident has once again raised concerns over security in the US capital.
Notably, another gunfire-related disruption occurred less than a month ago during the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner in Washington DC. Journalists, lawmakers and senior government officials attended that high-profile event.
Saturday’s shooting has now intensified discussions surrounding security arrangements near major government institutions in the United States.
Incident Summary Table
| Key Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Incident Location | Near White House, Washington DC |
| Time of Shooting | Shortly after 6 p.m. |
| Suspect Status | Shot dead by Secret Service |
| President’s Status | Donald Trump unharmed |
| Civilian Casualty | One bystander injured |
| Agencies Involved | Secret Service, FBI, Police, National Guard |
| Investigation Status | Ongoing |
Investigation Continues
Federal authorities continue to examine surveillance footage, witness statements and forensic evidence linked to the attack.
Officials have not ruled out any possibility regarding the motive. Investigators are also trying to determine whether the suspect acted alone.
The Secret Service stated that additional updates would be shared after the investigation progresses further.
People Also Ask
What happened near the White House on Saturday?
An armed suspect opened fire near the White House in Washington DC. Secret Service officers responded immediately and shot the gunman dead during an exchange of fire.
Was Donald Trump inside the White House during the shooting?
Yes. President Donald Trump was inside the White House when the shooting occurred. Officials confirmed that he remained safe and unharmed.
Which agencies are investigating the White House shooting?
The Secret Service, FBI, Metropolitan Police Department and National Guard personnel are involved in the ongoing investigation.