Police and members of the Secret Service block streets around the White House. (Photo: AP)
Two people were shot during an encounter involving the US Secret Service near the White House on Saturday, according to a law enforcement official, as authorities responded to reports of gunfire close to the complex.
FBI Director Kash Patel said in a post on X that the agency “is on the scene and supporting Secret Service responding to shots fired near White House grounds” and would “update the public as we’re able.”
FBI is on the scene and supporting Secret Service responding to shots fired near White House grounds – we will update the public as we’re able
— FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) May 23, 2026
There were no immediate details on the condition of those injured.
What exactly happened
Gunfire was reported near the intersection of Pennsylvania Avenue and 17th Street Northwest, about a block from the White House. Secret Service personnel responded after receiving information about a person allegedly firing a weapon, officials said.
Journalists on the White House grounds reported hearing multiple shots. Members of the press were moved into the briefing room and told to shelter in place as agents secured the area.
A member of the Secret Service guards the door of the press briefing room at the White House. (Photo: AP)
Secret Service said it was “aware of reports of shots fired” at the location and was working to verify details with officers on the ground.
Story continues below this ad
CNN reporters said they heard what sounded like dozens of shots. Video shared by journalists showed people taking cover on the North Lawn as agents shouted warnings and directed them to move inside.
I was in the middle of taping on my iPhone for a social video from the White House North Lawn when we heard the shots. It sounded like dozens of gunshots. We were told to sprint to the press briefing room where we are holding now. pic.twitter.com/iqdQwh4soq
Armed Secret Service officers were later seen moving across the grounds, and access to the briefing room was restricted during the response. The lockdown was lifted shortly after 6:45 pm ET.
Official response
Patel said the FBI was assisting the Secret Service at the scene. The Metropolitan Police Department did not immediately provide further information.
President Donald Trump was inside the White House at the time of the incident. Authorities have not released details about the suspect or the circumstances that led to the shooting.
Donald Trump thanked the Secret Service and law enforcement for their “swift and professional action” Saturday after a gunman with a “violent history” was killed in an exchange of gunfire near the White House gates, according to a post on Truth Social.
Story continues below this ad
(Photo:@realDonaldTrump) Members of the DC Fire Department stand near an EMS truck after police and Secret Service blocked streets around the White House. (Photo: AP)
The incident comes weeks after a separate security breach near the White House, when a suspect carrying a shotgun ran through a checkpoint and exchanged fire with Secret Service agents. He later pleaded not guilty to charges including attempting to assassinate the president.
The Express Global Desk at indianexpress.com which delivers authoritative, verified, and context-driven coverage of key international developments shaping global politics, policy, and migration trends. The desk focuses on stories with direct relevance for Indian and global audiences, combining breaking news with in-depth explainers and analysis.
A major focus area of the desk is US immigration and visa policy, including developments related to student visas, work permits, permanent residency pathways, executive actions, and court rulings. The Global Desk also closely tracks Canada’s immigration, visa, and study policies, covering changes to study permits, post-study work options, permanent residence programmes, and regulatory updates affecting migrants and international students.
All reporting from the Global Desk adheres to The Indian Express’ editorial standards, relying on official data, government notifications, court documents, and on-record sources. The desk prioritises clarity, accuracy, and accountability, ensuring readers can navigate complex global systems with confidence.
Core Team
The Express Global Desk is led by a team of experienced journalists and editors with deep expertise in international affairs and migration policy:
Aniruddha Dhar – Senior Assistant Editor with extensive experience in global affairs, international politics, and editorial leadership.
Nischai Vats – Deputy Copy Editor specialising in US politics, US visa and immigration policy, and policy-driven international coverage.
Mashkoora Khan – Sub-editor focusing on global developments, with a strong emphasis on Canada visa, immigration, and study-related policy coverage. ... Read More
Share
Police and members of the Secret Service block streets around the White House. (Photo: AP) 
