A man opened fire at a Secret Service checkpoint near the White House on Saturday evening. Secret Service agents returned fire and shot the suspect. He was taken to a nearby hospital, where he later died. A civilian bystander was also struck during the shooting and was reported to be in critical condition.
What happened
The incident took place at the checkpoint at 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, near the White House. The suspect, whose identity has not been released, approached the Secret Service checkpoint, removed a weapon from his bag, and began firing at posted officers.
According to reports, the suspect fired roughly three shots toward the White House before Secret Service agents returned fire and struck him. The suspect was then transported to George Washington University Hospital.
A US Secret Service spokesperson confirmed the suspect was pronounced dead following the shooting.
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Bystander also shot
During the exchange of gunfire, a nearby civilian was also shot. Both individuals were said to be in critical condition, according to a law enforcement official who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the investigation.
It remains unclear whether the bystander was struck by the suspect’s initial gunfire or during the subsequent exchange of gunfire.
Suspect background
A law enforcement official identified the suspect as an emotionally disturbed person. The official also said a “stay-away order” had previously been issued to the suspect.
No further details about the suspect’s identity were immediately released.
White House on lockdown
Journalists working at the White House on Saturday reported hearing a series of gunshots and were told to seek shelter inside the press briefing room. Secret Service officers kept them from leaving.
A White House correspondent for ABC News described hearing what sounded like dozens of gunshots and took cover.
President Donald Trump was inside the White House at the time of the shooting. No reports indicated that he was at any point in immediate danger.
Federal agencies respond
Multiple federal agencies deployed to the scene within minutes.
The Secret Service confirmed the incident in a statement, saying it was working to corroborate information with personnel on the ground and would provide additional details as they became available.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives confirmed it was responding to the shooting. “ATF special agents are on scene at 17th and Pennsylvania Ave NW following a shooting near the White House,” the ATF wrote on X. “ATF is assisting the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department and Secret Service.”
FBI Director Kash Patel said on social media that officers were responding to shots fired and that he would update the public as more information became available.
Area secured, investigation ongoing
Law enforcement sealed off the surrounding streets. Police and Secret Service agents blocked access to the area around the White House perimeter. The checkpoint at 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, where the shooting took place, was secured.
There were no immediate reports of any additional threats in the area.
This incident comes weeks after separate shooting near White House on May 4, 2026, in which suspect named Michael Marx, 45, of Midland, Texas, was charged in connection with a shooting that wounded a teenage bystander.
The investigation into the May 23 shooting is being led by the US Secret Service, in coordination with Metropolitan Police Department, the FBI, and the ATF.