Secret Service agents said they shot a man near the White House after he allegedly fired at officers. A bystander was also hit.
A gunfire incident near the White House sent Secret Service agents into a rapid response, with authorities saying a man opened fire before being shot.
The Secret Service said plainclothes officers spotted a man near the complex as they conducted patrols and alerted uniformed colleagues to apprehend him. Deputy Director Matthew Quinn said the suspect fled on foot and brandished a firearm, firing toward agents who returned fire.
At least one bystander was hit by gunfire during the incident, Quinn said, describing injuries as non-life-threatening. The suspect was taken to a hospital, though his condition was not immediately known.
This kind of encounter raises immediate questions about public safety in tightly controlled federal zones, where fast-moving investigations must balance security with protecting nearby civilians.
The shooting occurred at 15th Street and Independence Avenue, according to the Secret Service. While events unfolded, President Donald Trump was participating in a small business summit in the White House’s East Room, and the event was not interrupted, Misryoum reported.
Quinn said it was not clear whether the incident was connected to Trump or the White House itself. In the days since a separate case involving alleged attempts on the president’s life emerged, authorities have faced renewed scrutiny over how threats are identified and addressed.
Meanwhile. the Secret Service said a bystander—described as a minor—was struck by the suspect’s gunfire and transported with non-life-threatening injuries.. Quinn also said there was no indication the suspect intended to attack Vice President JD Vance’s motorcade. which passed nearby moments before the shooting.
Investigators said the matter will be handled by Washington’s Metropolitan Police Department. The Secret Service also said a weapon was recovered, though details about it were not provided.
As the investigation continues, the sequence of patrols, confrontations, and officer actions near a national landmark is likely to be closely examined. How authorities determine intent and secure the area can shape public trust long after the last shots are heard.