A terrifying scene unfolded near the White House after a gunman suddenly opened fire near a security checkpoint while President Donald Trump was inside the building.
The sound of rapid gunshots shattered the evening calm around the White House complex, sending journalists, tourists, and staff scrambling for safety as Secret Service agents rushed into action.
What followed was a tense lockdown, a deadly exchange of gunfire, and a major security response that left one man dead and another person seriously injured.
Gunfire Erupts Near White House Grounds
The shooting happened near the intersection of 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW, close to the Eisenhower Executive Office Building.
Authorities said a 21-year-old man pulled a revolver from his bag and opened fire toward a White House security checkpoint.
Secret Service officers stationed nearby immediately returned fire, striking the suspect multiple times. He was later pronounced dead at a hospital.
President Donald Trump was inside the White House during the incident but was not harmed.
Officials confirmed that one bystander was seriously injured during the exchange of gunfire, while no Secret Service officers were hurt.
Reporters Forced to Take Cover During Live Broadcasts
Several journalists were reporting live from the White House lawn when the shooting began.
CBS News reporter Aaron Navarro was in the middle of a live broadcast when the first shots rang out nearby. Video footage showed him suddenly stopping mid-report before ducking out of frame as more gunfire echoed across the area.
Secret Service agents could reportedly be seen taking defensive positions while people nearby ran for safety.
Navarro later said the gunfire sounded as if it was coming from multiple weapons and described hearing officers shouting for everyone to get inside immediately.
ABC News correspondent Selina Wang was also recording a video when the shots erupted behind her. Footage captured her quickly dropping behind equipment while someone yelled, “Down!”
NBC correspondent Julie Tsirkin initially appeared confused by the sounds before realizing gunfire had broken out nearby.
Soon afterward, all journalists on the grounds were rushed into the White House press briefing room, where they remained under lockdown for around 30 minutes while authorities secured the area.
Suspect Had Previous Encounters With Law Enforcement
Authorities identified the gunman as a 21-year-old man who was reportedly already known to both the Secret Service and Washington, D.C. police.
Reports indicated he had a documented history of mental health struggles and had repeatedly appeared near White House security checkpoints in the past.
Court records reportedly showed prior arrests involving unlawful entry into restricted White House areas. During one earlier incident, he allegedly claimed to be Jesus Christ and said he wanted to be arrested.
Investigators have not yet confirmed a political motive behind the shooting.
Nearby Buildings Damaged During Exchange
Photos from the aftermath showed emergency vehicles surrounding the area while heavily armed officers secured nearby streets.
Several windows at a nearby White House gift shop were reportedly shattered by stray bullets during the exchange of gunfire.
Witnesses described scenes of panic as sirens filled the air and people were ordered to evacuate the area.
Donald Trump Responds
Following the shooting, President Donald Trump praised Secret Service agents and law enforcement officers for their rapid response.
He described the actions of security personnel as swift and professional and emphasized growing concerns about threats surrounding the White House and public officials.
Political leaders from both parties condemned the violence, while federal investigators confirmed that the FBI is assisting with the ongoing investigation.
Investigation Ongoing
Authorities continue investigating the suspect’s actions, movements before the attack, and whether the White House itself was the intended target.
Officials are reviewing surveillance footage and witness accounts as the investigation moves forward.
The incident has once again highlighted the intense security risks surrounding one of the most heavily protected locations in the world.