White House shooting: gunfire near North Lawn triggers lockdown on 24 May
Synopsis
A gunman approached a White House security checkpoint on 24 May, pulled a weapon from his bag, and opened fire at posted officers — triggering a full lockdown, an FBI response, and a chaotic evacuation of reporters. President Trump was inside at the time. The suspect was taken down and hospitalised; motive remains under investigation.
Key Takeaways
The White House North Lawn was cleared by the US Secret Service on 24 May after gunshots were reported near the complex.
The shooting occurred shortly after 6 pm ET near 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest , just outside the White House grounds.
A suspect reportedly approached a security checkpoint, 'removed a weapon from his bag and began firing at posted officers,' according to the Secret Service .
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed federal agents were on the scene and assisting in the response.
The suspect was reported 'down' and transported to hospital; identity and condition were not immediately released.
President Donald Trump was reportedly inside the White House at the time, working on Iran -related negotiations.
The White House North Lawn was cleared by the US Secret Service on Saturday, 24 May after the sound of apparent gunfire triggered a major security response near the presidential complex, according to US media reports. The incident, which occurred shortly after 6 pm ET, forced a temporary lockdown of the surrounding area and drew a heavy law enforcement presence.
How the Incident Unfolded
Reporters stationed on the White House grounds were directed to sprint immediately into the White House press briefing room as security personnel moved swiftly to secure the perimeter. Streets surrounding the complex were flooded with dozens of police officers and emergency response teams within minutes of the first shots being reported.
According to a statement released by the US Secret Service, the shooting took place near the corner of 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest, just outside the White House grounds. Officials said a person approached a security checkpoint, 'removed a weapon from his bag and began firing at posted officers.'
FBI Response and Official Statements
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that federal agents were on the scene and assisting in the response. In a post on X, Patel stated: '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.'
A US Secret Service official subsequently confirmed that the suspect was 'down' and had been transported to a hospital. Authorities had not released the identity or condition of the individual as of the time of reporting.
Scene on the Ground
Witnesses and media personnel on site reported hearing multiple rounds of gunfire during the chaotic moments. Local media reported that dozens of shots were heard in the area before law enforcement fully secured the scene. Heavily armed officers and emergency response teams surrounded nearby streets and checkpoints as the lockdown took effect.
President Trump's Whereabouts
US President Donald Trump was reportedly inside the White House at the time of the incident, working on matters related to ongoing negotiations with Iran, according to media reports. Officials did not immediately comment on whether the President was moved to a secure location.
Investigation Under Way
Authorities confirmed that a formal investigation into the shooting has been launched. No additional details about possible injuries to officers or civilians were immediately available. Security agencies continued to monitor the situation as officials worked to determine the motive behind the attack. This comes amid a period of heightened security around the White House following several recent threat assessments at federal installations across Washington.
Point of View
The timing adds a geopolitical dimension that security agencies will not ignore. Motive is still unknown, but the speed of the FBI's public communication — via a director's X post — signals a deliberate effort to contain public alarm before the information environment fills with speculation.
NationPress
14 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened near the White House on 24 May?
A suspect approached a security checkpoint near the White House on 24 May, removed a weapon from his bag, and opened fire at posted officers, according to the US Secret Service. The incident triggered an immediate lockdown of the White House complex and surrounding streets.
Where exactly did the shooting take place?
The shooting occurred near the corner of 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest, just outside the White House grounds, shortly after 6 pm ET on 24 May.
What happened to the suspect?
A US Secret Service official confirmed the suspect was 'down' and transported to a hospital. Authorities had not released the individual's identity or medical condition as of the time of reporting.
Was President Trump safe during the incident?
President Donald Trump was reportedly inside the White House at the time of the shooting, working on matters related to Iran negotiations, according to media reports. Officials did not immediately confirm whether he was moved to a secure location.
What is the FBI's role in the investigation?
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that federal agents were on the scene supporting the Secret Service response. A formal investigation into the shooting has been launched, with motive yet to be determined.
