Gunman Killed After Opening Fire Near White House While Donald Trump Was Inside Residence

A man who allegedly opened fire near a security checkpoint close to the White House on Saturday evening was shot dead by Secret Service officers, while a bystander was also injured during the chaotic incident. Federal officials confirmed that President Donald Trump, who was inside the White House at the time, was not harmed.

Suspect Opened Fire Near Security Checkpoint

According to a statement issued by the US Secret Service, the incident unfolded shortly after 6 pm ET when the suspect approached a White House security checkpoint carrying a bag.

Officials said the individual "removed a weapon from his bag and began firing at posted officers."

Secret Service personnel immediately responded by returning fire. The suspect was struck during the exchange and later transported to a nearby hospital, where he died from his injuries.

Authorities said none of the officers involved in the shooting were injured.

The Secret Service also clarified that President Donald Trump "was not impacted" by the gunfire incident.

Bystander Injured During Exchange Of Fire

A bystander was also struck during the shooting near 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW, just one block away from the White House complex.

However, investigators are still trying to determine whether the bystander was hit by bullets allegedly fired by the suspect or by rounds discharged by law enforcement officers during the response.

In a post on X, the Secret Service said it was "aware of reports of shots fired near 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW" and added that officials were "working to corroborate the information with personnel on the ground."

The Metropolitan Police Department later urged people to stay away from the area as emergency personnel secured the scene.

Dramatic Video Captures Sound Of Gunfire

The shooting created panic among journalists and media staff stationed outside the White House.

Selina Wang, senior White House correspondent for ABC News, shared a dramatic video on X showing the moment gunfire erupted while she was filming a social media segment.

Wang wrote that she heard what "sounded like dozens of gunshots" before ducking for cover inside the media tent positioned along the White House driveway.

The video quickly spread across social media platforms and gathered millions of views within hours.

FBI Director Kash Patel also confirmed that officers were responding to the shooting and stated he would "update the public as we're able."

Recent Security Threats Near White House Raise Concerns

Saturday's shooting comes amid growing concerns over security threats near the White House and other high-profile locations in Washington DC.

The area had witnessed another deadly shooting last November when a gunman ambushed two members of the West Virginia National Guard. US Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, later died from her injuries, while Andrew Wolfe was critically wounded. Rahmanullah Lakanwal was charged in connection with that attack.

The latest incident also follows what authorities described as an attempted assassination plot targeting President Donald Trump on April 25 during the annual White House Correspondents' Association Dinner in Washington.

Officials said Cole Tomas Allen of California pleaded not guilty to charges linked to that alleged attempt and remains in federal custody.

Just days after that scare, Secret Service officers shot another suspect accused of firing near the Washington Monument. Michael Marx, 45, of Texas, was later charged in connection with that case, which also left a teenage bystander injured.