US police responding to dozens of shots fired near the White House | News
Secret Service Investigates Gunfire Near White House
May 23, 2026
U.S. law enforcement agencies are responding to reports of gunfire near the White House, with witnesses claiming to have heard more than 30 shots. An unnamed law enforcement official confirmed to Reuters that a suspect is “down” and has been transported to George Washington Hospital, though the official did not disclose the suspect’s condition or how they were subdued.
The Associated Press reported that Secret Service personnel shot a suspect near the White House, and that a bystander was also injured. Both individuals are said to be in critical condition, according to the same unnamed official, who was not authorized to discuss the ongoing investigation.
At the time of the incident, President Donald Trump was inside the White House. Police have cordoned off access, and National Guard troops are securing the area, preventing reporters from entering downtown Washington, D.C.
Al Jazeera correspondent Kimberly Halkett reported that she heard over 30 shots fired from the White House North Lawn. “The White House is now surrounded by multiple emergency vehicles and agencies,” said Halkett. “We understand the president was in the Oval Office at the time. The shots were fired outside, but the White House has not confirmed further details regarding the president’s condition.”
Journalists present on the North Lawn reported being instructed to quickly take shelter in the press briefing room. Halkett added that while the White House has not confirmed details, witnesses reported a suspect firing at the Secret Service perimeter at the intersection of 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, where multiple agents and Secret Service vehicles were present for identification checks.
FBI Director Kash Patel acknowledged the situation on social media, stating that officers are responding to the gunfire and that updates would be provided as information becomes available.
This incident occurs nearly one month after what law enforcement described as an attempted assassination of the president during the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner on April 25.
