Gunfire near White House leaves one dead, one injured

An armed suspect was killed and a bystander injured after a gunfire exchange with US Secret Service agents near the White House in Washington, D.C., triggering a temporary lockdown in the high-security area.

According to international media outlet AFP, the incident began when the armed individual allegedly opened fire near a security checkpoint close to the White House. Secret Service personnel immediately responded with return fire. The suspect was critically wounded and taken to a hospital, where he was later declared dead.

CNN reported that the shooting took place at the intersection of Pennsylvania Avenue and 17th Street Northwest, a highly secured zone adjacent to the White House complex. Secret Service agents rushed to the scene moments after reports of gunfire emerged, leading to a brief but intense exchange of shots.

Journalists present on the White House North Lawn said multiple gunshots were heard during the incident. Authorities quickly imposed a lockdown across the area, while security officials escorted reporters and staff into protected zones, including the press briefing room.

The lockdown remained in effect until approximately 6:45pm (local time), when officials confirmed the situation was under control. Witnesses reported seeing heavily armed Secret Service agents positioned throughout the North Lawn as security operations intensified.

The White House press briefing room was temporarily shut down as a precaution. At the time of the incident, President Donald Trump was reportedly inside the White House.

Following the shooting, FBI Director Kash Patel stated on social media platform X that FBI personnel had joined the scene to assist the Secret Service with the ongoing investigation.

ABC News Chief White House Correspondent Selina Wang also shared video footage from the scene, describing how security personnel urgently instructed everyone nearby to seek immediate shelter after the gunfire erupted.

The latest incident adds to growing security concerns around the White House area. Earlier this month, Secret Service agents were involved in another exchange of gunfire with an armed suspect on May 4. A separate shooting incident was also reported on April 26 near a Washington hotel during a journalists’ dinner event.

Authorities have not yet released the identity or motive of the deceased suspect. Investigations remain ongoing.