Washington: A man was shot dead by officers of the United States Secret Service after he opened fire at a security checkpoint near the White House, leaving a bystander injured and triggering an immediate lockdown of the presidential complex.
According to officials, the suspect approached a Secret Service checkpoint at the intersection of 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, DC shortly after 6pm local time. Authorities said the man pulled a firearm from a bag and began shooting at officers stationed at the checkpoint.
In an official statement, the Secret Service confirmed that agents returned fire after the suspect opened fire. The man was critically wounded in the exchange and later pronounced dead at a nearby hospital. A bystander was also injured during the incident. Authorities said it remains unclear whether the person was struck by bullets fired by the suspect or during the gunfire exchange with officers.
US President Donald Trump was inside the White House at the time of the shooting and was not harmed. Following the incident, the White House complex was immediately placed under lockdown as law enforcement secured the surrounding area.
Preliminary statement regarding the shooting incident on 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue. pic.twitter.com/VK6WWAfH3e
— U.S. Secret Service (@SecretService) May 24, 2026
Officials confirmed that no Secret Service personnel were injured during the confrontation. US Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said he was monitoring developments closely and described the shooting as a reminder of the risks faced daily by law enforcement officers.
Meanwhile, Republican leaders in the House of Representatives confirmed on social media that Trump was safe. Steve Scalise, the Republican House Majority Leader, also reacted to the incident, saying the country was living in dangerous times.
According to reports from journalists at the scene, more than 30 shots were heard from the White House North Lawn area. Reporters covering the scene were ordered to take shelter inside the press briefing room as police quickly sealed off nearby streets and National Guard troops restricted access around the complex.
Reports also indicated that the suspect had previously been issued a stay-away order, which he allegedly ignored before approaching the security zone and opening fire.
The suspect was later transported to George Washington University Hospital, where he died from his injuries. FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that the Federal Bureau of Investigation was assisting the Secret Service in the ongoing investigation.
White House Communications Director Steven Cheung attempted to reassure the public by posting on social media that Trump continued working through the evening despite the security scare. The incident comes less than a month after authorities reported an alleged assassination attempt targeting Trump during an event connected to the annual White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner.
Authorities have not yet released the identity of the suspect or disclosed a possible motive. Investigations into the shooting remain ongoing.
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