WASHINGTON: A gunman was killed by the US Secret Service after opening fire near the White House on Saturday evening, prompting a major security lockdown in central Washington while President Donald Trump was inside the presidential residence.
According to the Secret Service, the incident occurred shortly after 6pm local time when a man standing near the White House security perimeter reportedly removed a firearm from a bag and began shooting.
Secret Service officers immediately returned fire, critically wounding the suspect. He was later pronounced dead at a nearby hospital. Authorities confirmed that a bystander was also struck during the exchange of gunfire, although officials have not yet released details regarding the individual’s condition.
President Trump, who was at the White House at the time amid ongoing diplomatic efforts concerning Iran, was not harmed during the incident. Officials said no Secret Service personnel sustained injuries.
The area surrounding the White House was swiftly sealed off as police, federal agents and National Guard troops moved in to secure the scene. Access to several nearby streets was temporarily restricted while investigators gathered evidence, according to AFP.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as multiple gunshots rang out near the heavily protected compound. Canadian tourist Reid Adrian said the sounds initially resembled fireworks before people began running for safety.
Journalists present on the White House North Lawn were instructed to take cover inside the press briefing room. ABC News correspondent Selina Wang, who was filming a social media video nearby, captured the sound of repeated gunfire before dropping to the ground for protection.
The shooting has once again raised concerns over security threats surrounding President Trump, who has faced multiple alleged assassination attempts in recent years.
In July 2024, Trump survived an assassination attempt during an election rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where a gunman killed a supporter and wounded the then-presidential candidate in the ear. Another armed suspect was later arrested near Trump’s golf course in West Palm Beach, while an additional security incident reportedly occurred last month at a hotel event attended by the president.
Following Saturday’s shooting, several Republican lawmakers praised the rapid response of the Secret Service and condemned political violence.
The incident also comes as construction continues on a major redevelopment project at the White House, including a heavily fortified ballroom and underground security facilities, which Trump has previously linked to growing security concerns.
