WASHINGTON, D.C. — May 23, 2026 – U.S. Secret Service agents exchanged gunfire with an armed suspect near the White House on Saturday evening, resulting in the gunman being neutralized and an innocent bystander being struck, officials said.
According to initial reports from Fox News and eyewitness accounts shared on social media, the incident occurred near Gate 17 on the west side of the White House perimeter. The suspect reportedly approached the gate and fired a pistol in the direction of the White House. Secret Service agents returned fire, taking down the gunman.
A civilian bystander was hit during the crossfire. The condition of both the suspect and the bystander remains unknown at this time. The gunman did not breach the White House perimeter.
The White House was briefly placed on lockdown following the shooting, with countersnipers taking positions and emergency responders arriving on scene. President Donald Trump was inside the White House at the time, and there are no reports of injury to him or other protectees. D.C. Fire and EMS responded to at least two patients.
Video footage circulating online shows emergency vehicles, including police SUVs and an ambulance, with flashing lights at the rainy scene as authorities secured the area.
This marks another incident involving gunfire near the White House complex in recent weeks, heightening concerns over political violence and security in the nation’s capital.
The Secret Service and Metropolitan Police Department are investigating. No further details on the suspect’s identity or motive have been released as of late Saturday night.
Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
About The Author
