On Saturday afternoon, a series of gunshots rang out near the White House, triggering an urgent response from Secret Service personnel.
The event took place around 6:25 p.m. ET, coinciding with live broadcasts from reporters on the North Lawn. ABC News’ Selina Wang was in the middle of filming when the situation escalated.
In footage captured and shared, Wang’s expression shifts from reporting on a prospective U.S.-Iran deal to alarm just as the gunfire broke out. She stated, “That President Trump has said a deal is close, only for the two sides to remain far apart” just before chaos ensued.
The video shows panic as she and others sought cover, hurriedly moving towards safety amidst a flurry of motion and sound. Secret Service agents quickly ushered the press group into the safety of the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room.
BREAKING: About 30 shots fired outside the White House.
Secret Service reportedly rushed the press who were on the north lawn into the press briefing room.
ABC reporter Selina Wang was in the middle of filming when the shots rang out.pic.twitter.com/KvRZgbuXlm
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) May 23, 2026
Major news outlets, including CNN, reported on the incident. Their team perceived the gunfire as dozens of shots, prompting a swift lockdown and deployment of security measures.
Wang further detailed her experience on social media, expressing, “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.”
Emergency services responded to the vicinity of 17th Street NW and Pennsylvania Avenue NW, attending to two individuals following the shots. The White House was momentarily secured as agents ensured safety, and evidence of counter-snipers emerged in various recordings.
President Trump was reported to be safe inside the White House. As of now, details regarding the origin of the gunfire, potential suspects, motives, or injuries remain unclear.
This story is ongoing, and further information will be disclosed as it becomes available.
