An armed man was shot and killed by Secret Service officers Saturday evening after opening fire near a White House security checkpoint, according to federal authorities.
The incident happened around 6 p.m. near 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW in Washington, D.C. The Secret Service said the suspect approached the checkpoint, removed a weapon from a bag and began firing at officers stationed there.
Officers returned fire, striking the suspect. Authorities said he was taken to a nearby hospital, where he later died.
A bystander was also wounded during the exchange of gunfire, though investigators said it remains unclear whether the individual was struck by shots fired by the suspect or during the response from officers.
No Secret Service personnel were injured.
Response
The Secret Service confirmed the shooting in an official statement released Saturday night.
“Secret Service police officers returned fire, striking the suspect, who was transported to an area hospital, where he later died,” the agency said.
Officials have not yet publicly identified the suspect. However, multiple officials told ABC News the man was 21 years old and had previous interactions with law enforcement connected to the White House area.
The area surrounding the White House was temporarily placed under heightened security while investigators processed the scene.
Investigation
Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing.
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed in a post on X that FBI personnel responded to assist the Secret Service.
“We will update the public as we’re able,” Patel wrote.
Investigators are reviewing surveillance footage, witness accounts and evidence collected at the scene to determine the sequence of events.
Officials have not yet released information about the type of weapon involved or whether additional charges or findings could emerge from the investigation.
Records
Court records reviewed by ABC News indicate the suspect had previously been the subject of a stay-away order involving the White House.
The order was reportedly issued on July 11, 2025, after the man was arrested one day earlier for allegedly attempting to bypass a White House security checkpoint.
According to court documents, the suspect allegedly told officers he was “Jesus Christ” and wanted to be arrested.
Records also showed the same individual was involuntarily committed in a separate incident on June 26.
Authorities have not confirmed whether mental health concerns played a role in Saturday’s events.
White House
At the time of the shooting, President Donald Trump was inside the White House working in the Oval Office with aides, according to a White House official.
Following the incident, Trump praised law enforcement officers for their response.
“Thank you to our great Secret Service and Law Enforcement for the swift and professional action taken this evening against a gunman near the White House,” Trump wrote on social media.
He also referenced security concerns around presidential protection and called for continued investments in White House security infrastructure.
Officials said the president was not in danger during the incident.
Witnesses
Journalists and television crews working outside the White House described hearing multiple gunshots before being directed to shelter.
ABC News correspondent Selina Wang said she was filming nearby when the shooting began. Crew members reportedly ducked for cover as shots were heard near the security perimeter.
Other reporters in the area were instructed to move quickly into the White House Press Briefing Room while law enforcement secured the scene.
Photos from the area showed heavily armed Secret Service officers positioned outside the White House complex shortly after the shooting.
Timeline
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| Around 6 p.m. | Suspect approaches White House checkpoint |
| Moments later | Gunfire exchanged with Secret Service |
| Shortly after | Suspect transported to hospital |
| Saturday night | FBI joins investigation |
Security
The shooting highlighted the level of security maintained around the White House and the rapid response procedures used during emergencies near the presidential complex.
The Secret Service regularly monitors individuals considered potential threats and maintains multiple checkpoints surrounding the White House grounds.
Authorities have not announced when the investigation will be completed, but officials said more details could be released once witness interviews and forensic reviews are finished.
FAQs
Where did the shooting happen?
Near the White House checkpoint in Washington.
Was the suspect killed?
Yes, the suspect later died at a hospital.
Were any officers injured?
No Secret Service officers were hurt.
Was a bystander injured?
Yes, one bystander was struck by gunfire.
Who is investigating the incident?
The Secret Service and FBI are investigating.
