A person who approached a White House security checkpoint and opened fire at officers has died, according to the U.S. Secret Service. The incident occurred shortly after 6 p.m. local time on Saturday, May 23, 2026.
Details of the Incident
The Secret Service stated that the individual approached the checkpoint, removed a weapon from his bag, and began firing at posted officers. Officers returned fire, striking the suspect, who was taken to a hospital and later died. A bystander was also hit, but it remains unclear whether the injury was caused by the suspect's initial shots or by the officers' return fire.
White House Lockdown
President Donald Trump was inside the White House at the time and was not impacted by the incident. None of the Secret Service officers were injured. Journalists at the White House reported hearing multiple gunshots and were instructed to take shelter in the press briefing room. Secret Service officers prevented them from leaving the premises.
Official Statements
The Secret Service confirmed on X that shots were fired near 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW, just one block from the White House. FBI Director Kash Patel said officers were responding and pledged to update the public. The Metropolitan Police Department urged the public to avoid the area.
Witness Accounts
Selina Wang, senior White House correspondent for ABC News, captured dramatic footage of the moment gunfire erupted. In her video, Wang is seen speaking about Trump's comments on a potential Iran deal when the sound of shots caused her to dive for cover inside a media tent. The footage garnered at least 3 million views on X.
The incident occurred near the same location where a gunman ambushed two members of the West Virginia National Guard in November 2025.
