Additional Coverage:
The White House was placed on lockdown Saturday afternoon after multiple gunshots rang out near the complex, prompting Secret Service agents to urgently direct reporters to seek shelter inside the press briefing room.
Journalists gathered on the North Lawn reported hearing several shots before being ordered indoors by Secret Service personnel. At the time, President Donald Trump was inside the White House, reportedly engaged in efforts to broker a peace agreement with Iran during the Memorial Day weekend.
Authorities responded swiftly, with Secret Service agents fatally shooting the suspect. It has been confirmed that a bystander was also injured in the incident, which occurred near the corner of 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue-an area closest to the Oval Office.
The Metropolitan Police Department had not released further details as the situation continued to unfold. Meanwhile, FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that federal agents were on the scene supporting the Secret Service investigation. “FBI is on the scene and supporting Secret Service responding to shots fired near White House grounds-we will update the public as we’re able,” Patel posted on social media.
Journalists on site described a tense scene. Reporter Selina Wang recounted being told to “run into the press briefing room” after hearing numerous gunshots outside the White House.
Another reporter, Chris Flanagan, shared video from inside the complex confirming the lockdown and President Trump’s presence during the incident. Julia Benbrook noted that roughly 20 to 30 media members were quickly ushered inside by Secret Service agents following the shooting.
Early reports indicated gunfire near the White House, though officials had yet to confirm the exact source or details about injuries. ABC’s Selina Wang captured footage of the moment shots were heard during a live segment, describing the sound as “dozens of gunshots.”
NBC News correspondent Julie Tsirkin confirmed that the Secret Service directed journalists to shelter in place, with officers holding guns drawn outside the press briefing room doors.
This alarming event comes less than a month after another shooting incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, which authorities are treating as an assassination attempt on the president.
Following a thorough security sweep, the lockdown was lifted, and the situation was declared under control. Officials continue to investigate the incident and have not released further information at this time.