A suspect is now in custody following a shooting incident outside the White House on Monday afternoon, which resulted in one bystander suffering gunshot wounds. This incident led to a short lockdown of the White House while President Trump was engaged with small business leaders and fielding questions from the media.
According to a spokesperson from the U.S. Secret Service, the event occurred around 3:30 p.m. near the outer perimeter of the White House.
Plainclothes officers initially spotted an individual who seemed suspicious and appeared to be armed. They then requested assistance from uniformed Secret Service officers to address the situation.
Upon their approach, the suspect fled briefly but then brandished a firearm, firing towards the officers and agents present. Law enforcement subsequently engaged the suspect. “That individual was hit and has been taken to a hospital. I can’t comment on his condition at this time,” the spokesman noted.
Additionally, it was confirmed that a bystander—a juvenile—sustained a gunshot wound but fortunately did not incur life-threatening injuries and is also receiving medical treatment.
This incident occurred shortly after Vice President JD Vance’s motorcade passed through the area. The spokesman indicated that the suspect did not target or threaten the motorcade in any manner.
The location has been identified as the intersection of 15th Street SW and Independence Avenue SW, situated near the Washington Monument and roughly four blocks from the actual White House. Although the individual was not on White House property, he was noted by surveillance personnel who observed a “visual print” of a firearm, as reported by local media.
The first responders to the scene were uniformed Secret Service officers, while the initial observation was made by undercover agents.
In the wake of the gunfire, the White House went into a brief lockdown, with journalists on the North Lawn evacuated to the press briefing room until the all-clear was given about 15 minutes later.
During this, President Trump was inside the White House attending a small business event in the East Room. He remained safe and carried on with the program after a short delay.
The investigation into the incident is still active, and further details are anticipated soon.
