Multiple gunshots rang out near the White House, leading authorities to deploy forces to secure the area. President Donald Trump was inside the White House at the time of the incident. Initially, two people were reported shot.
On 23 May 2026 GMT+7, U.S. officials disclosed that police and security forces surrounded the White House on Saturday evening local time after several gunshots were heard nearby. The exact circumstances remain unclear, but two individuals were shot during a confrontation with the presidential security detail.
The incident occurred near the intersection of Pennsylvania Avenue and Northwest 17th Street. Law enforcement officials reported that uniformed Secret Service agents responded after receiving reports of an individual firing a weapon at the scene.
Reports indicated that President Donald Trump was inside the White House during the shooting, as he was engaged in negotiations related to an agreement with Iran.
Following the gunfire, police blocked all entrances and exits to the White House, while the National Guard prevented journalists from entering the premises.
"The FBI has arrived at the scene and is supporting the Secret Service in responding to the shooting near the White House," FBI Director Kash Patel posted on the platform X.
Red Adrian, a Canadian tourist, told AFP that he was in the area at the time of the incident. He described, "We heard about 20 to 25 shots. At first, it sounded like fireworks, but it was actually gunfire. Then everyone started running chaotically."
Journalists located on the North Lawn of the White House at the time posted on X that they were ordered to run and take shelter inside the press briefing room.
Selina Wang, a reporter for ABC News who was filming a video for social media during the shooting, captured the sound of gunfire as she quickly dropped to the ground.
A spokesperson for the Secret Service sent a brief SMS to AFP stating that the agency is currently gathering information about the incident.
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Source:cna