Two wounded after shooting near White House, Secret Service says

Two people were shot during an encounter involving the US Secret Service near the White House, according to a law enforcement official.

The incident took place near the intersection of Pennsylvania Avenue and 17th Street Northwest, just outside the White House complex, on Saturday, CNN reported, citing the official.

The official said officers from the Secret Service’s uniformed division responded after receiving a report of an individual firing a weapon.

Gunfire triggers 'lockdown' near presidential complex

CNN reporters in the area reported hearing what appeared to be dozens of gunshots near the White House, prompting an immediate "lockdown" and rapid response by the Secret Service.

The agency said it was investigating reports of shots fired at the corner of 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest.

The circumstances surrounding the incident were not immediately clear.

Press evacuated as agents secure area

Members of the press corps on the North Lawn were rushed into the White House briefing room, while reporters inside the complex were instructed to shelter in place.

Secret Service agents were heard shouting "get down" and warning of "shots fired."

Armed agents were later seen moving across the North Lawn and blocking access to the White House press briefing room. The reported lockdown was lifted shortly after 6:45 p.m. ET.

Officials respond as investigation continues

FBI Director Kash Patel said on X that the bureau "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."

ABC News chief White House correspondent Selina Wang posted video showing the moment shots were heard, saying, "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."

The incident comes less than a month after another reported shooting-related incident involving the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, where attendees reportedly took cover as gunfire erupted. The suspect in that earlier case has pleaded not guilty to charges including attempting to assassinate the president.

In July 2024, gunman Thomas Matthew Crooks opened fire during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, wounding Trump in the ear before being killed by snipers.

Another suspect, Ryan Routh, was arrested near Trump’s Florida golf course after allegedly preparing an attack.

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