A gunman who opened fire near the White House on Saturday, 24 May was shot dead by US Secret Service officers following an exchange of gunfire close to the executive complex, officials confirmed. A bystander was also struck during the incident, while President Donald Trump, who was inside the White House at the time, was not harmed.

How the Shooting Unfolded

The incident occurred shortly after 6 pm near the intersection of 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW, in close proximity to the White House grounds and the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. According to officials, the individual pulled a weapon from his bag and began firing without warning.

Secret Service Chief of Communications Anthony Guglielmi said in a statement: 'Shortly after 6 p.m Saturday an individual in the area of 17th street and Pennsylvania Avenue pulled a weapon from his bag and began firing.' Officers returned fire, striking the suspect, who was transported to a nearby hospital and later pronounced dead. No Secret Service officers sustained injuries.

Bystander Struck, Suspect's Identity Withheld

One bystander was struck by gunfire during the exchange. The Secret Service did not immediately disclose the individual's condition, though reports indicated the person was in critical condition. Officials did not identify the suspect and declined to release information about a possible motive, stating the incident remained under active investigation.

White House Locked Down, Journalists Sheltered in Place

The White House complex was briefly placed under lockdown following the shooting. Armed Secret Service personnel moved across the North Lawn as security teams directed journalists and staff into the press briefing room. Members of the press corps were instructed to shelter in place as agents shouted warnings of 'shots fired.'

Journalists in the vicinity described hearing repeated bursts of gunfire. Allison Robbert, a photographer for The New York Times, said approximately '20 to 30 gunshots' could be heard from outside the press room area. ABC News correspondent Selina Wang wrote on X that she had been filming on the North Lawn when the shots rang out, describing the sound as 'dozens of gunshots' before she and others were directed to sprint to the briefing room.

FBI and Multiple Agencies Respond

FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed the bureau was assisting the Secret Service in the investigation. In a post on X, Patel wrote: 'The FBI is also on the scene and supporting Secret Service responding to shots fired near White House grounds — we will update the public as we're able.' The Metropolitan Police Department and National Guard personnel also responded to the area, with roads around the White House sealed for several hours.

Second Gunfire Incident Near White House in a Month

Notably, the shooting came less than a month after a separate gunfire incident disrupted the White House Correspondents' Association dinner in Washington, where journalists, lawmakers, and senior administration officials had gathered. The back-to-back incidents have intensified scrutiny of security arrangements around the executive complex. The Secret Service stated that additional information would be released as the investigation progresses.