A suspected gunman was shot dead near the White House after opening fire, triggering panic, lockdowns and renewed fears over presidential security while Donald Trump remained inside.
WEBDESK – MediaBites News
A suspected gunman was killed after opening fire near the White House on Saturday evening, triggering a major security lockdown and a rapid armed response while U.S. President Donald Trump was inside the building.
According to the United States Secret Service, the incident unfolded shortly after 6pm local time near 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue when the suspect allegedly removed a firearm from a bag and began firing toward officers and surrounding areas.
Secret Service personnel immediately returned fire, critically wounding the suspect, who was later pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.
Authorities confirmed that at least one bystander was also injured during the shooting, though officials did not immediately release details regarding the victim’s condition.
President Donald Trump was inside the White House during the incident but was not harmed.
In a statement posted on Truth Social, Trump praised the Secret Service and law enforcement agencies for their swift response.
“Thank you to our great Secret Service and Law Enforcement for the swift and professional action taken this evening against a gunman near the White House,” Trump wrote.
Trump also claimed the suspect had a violent background and a possible obsession with the White House.
The Secret Service later described the attacker as an “emotionally disturbed person” and confirmed that authorities had previously issued a stay-away order against him.
Live television broadcasts captured scenes of panic as gunshots rang out while journalists were reporting outside the White House complex.
ABC correspondent Selina Wang said reporters and staff members were ordered to run toward the White House briefing room after hearing what sounded like “dozens of gunshots.”
Security officers immediately sealed off parts of the White House grounds while heavily armed federal agents rushed to the scene.
FBI Director Kash Patel later confirmed that the Federal Bureau of Investigation was assisting the Secret Service in the ongoing investigation.
The shooting comes amid heightened security concerns in Washington following another alleged assassination attempt involving Trump during the recent White House Correspondents’ Dinner.
Federal investigators are now working to determine the suspect’s motive, background and whether the attack was politically motivated.
The latest incident has once again intensified concerns over political violence and presidential security in the United States as tensions continue rising ahead of the 2026 elections.
