Secret Service Shoots Person Near White House; Bystander Also Shot, Officials Say
WASHINGTON, D.C. — A serious security incident unfolded near the White House on Saturday after the U.S. Secret Service shot a person close to the complex, while a bystander was also struck by gunfire, according to law enforcement information reported by The Associated Press.
Two people were reported shot near the White House, including a person shot by the Secret Service and a bystander. Both were reported to be in critical condition.
What Happened Near the White House?
The shooting took place near 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW, roughly one block from the White House. The area is one of the most heavily secured zones in Washington, D.C., and any report of gunfire there immediately triggers a major law enforcement response.
According to the latest information, Secret Service officers shot one person during the incident. A bystander was also shot. A law enforcement official said both individuals were in critical condition. The official spoke anonymously because they were not authorized to publicly discuss the ongoing investigation.
The Secret Service said on X that it was aware of reports of shots fired near 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW and was working to confirm information with personnel on the ground. The FBI also responded, with FBI Director Kash Patel saying officers were responding to shots fired and that more information would be provided when available.
Journalists Told to Shelter Inside Press Briefing Room
The incident caused immediate alarm among journalists working at the White House. Reporters said they heard a series of gunshots and were told to seek shelter inside the press briefing room.
White House reporters often work from outdoor broadcast positions near the driveway and press areas around the complex. Because those locations are close to the security perimeter, the sound of gunfire nearby created a dangerous and chaotic situation.
ABC News senior White House correspondent Selina Wang shared video from the moment she said she heard what sounded like dozens of gunshots. In the video, she appeared to duck for cover while filming a routine social media update near the White House media area.
President Trump Was Inside the White House
President Donald Trump was inside the White House at the time of the shooting, according to the latest report. There was no immediate indication that the president was injured or directly exposed to the gunfire.
Whenever shots are reported near the White House, the Secret Service moves quickly to secure the president, staff, journalists, visitors and the surrounding grounds. The response typically includes street closures, lockdown procedures, evidence collection and coordination with other federal and local agencies.
Location: Near 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Date: Saturday, May 23, 2026
Agency involved: U.S. Secret Service
Injuries: Two people reported shot
Conditions: Both reported in critical condition
President’s status: President Trump was inside the White House at the time
Evidence Seen Outside the White House Complex
After the shooting, evidence of the incident was visible on a sidewalk outside the White House complex. Yellow crime scene tape was placed across the pavement, and officers set down dozens of orange evidence markers.
Medical materials were also seen at the scene, including purple surgical gloves and emergency medical kits. These items suggested that first responders worked quickly to treat the injured before they were transported for further medical care.
Investigators are expected to review surveillance video, officer body-camera footage, witness accounts, shell casings, medical reports and other physical evidence to determine exactly how the incident unfolded.
Why the Area Is So Sensitive
The White House is protected by multiple layers of security. Uniformed Secret Service officers, security barriers, cameras, checkpoints and rapid response units all operate in and around the complex.
Still, the surrounding streets remain part of a busy public area. Tourists, reporters, demonstrators, federal workers and local residents regularly move near Pennsylvania Avenue and Lafayette Square. That mix of public access and national security makes any shooting near the White House especially serious.
A single report of gunfire can force officers to treat the situation as an active threat until the scene is fully secured. That is why streets were blocked, journalists were ordered to shelter and evidence teams quickly moved into the area.
Investigation Still Developing
Officials have not yet released the identity of the person shot by the Secret Service or the bystander who was also wounded. Authorities have also not publicly confirmed a motive.
The investigation will likely focus on whether the person shot by Secret Service officers was armed, whether they fired first, how the bystander was struck and whether any additional threat existed near the White House grounds.
Because this is a developing investigation, details may change as law enforcement agencies release more complete information. Officials are expected to provide updates after confirming the facts with officers and investigators at the scene.
Public Safety Reminder
People near the White House or other secured federal areas should always follow instructions from police and Secret Service officers. During an active security incident, officers may order pedestrians, journalists and visitors to move, shelter indoors or avoid certain streets.
These instructions are meant to protect the public while responders determine whether the threat has ended. Anyone planning to travel near the White House should check local alerts and avoid blocked streets until authorities reopen the area.
Final Update
The shooting near the White House remains under investigation. What is known so far is that Secret Service officers shot one person, a bystander was also shot, and both were reported in critical condition. President Trump was inside the White House when the gunfire occurred, and journalists nearby were told to shelter inside the press briefing room.
More details are expected as officials continue reviewing evidence and interviewing witnesses.
This article is an original Lezet Blog news update based on publicly reported information from The Associated Press and law enforcement statements.
