•A gunman opened fire at a White House security checkpoint on May 23, 2026, around 6 p.m. ET, before being killed by Secret Service officers.
•No Secret Service officers were injured, and President Trump was not impacted during the incident.
•A bystander was struck by gunfire, though it remains unclear whether the injury came from the suspect or responding officers.
•President Trump thanked law enforcement on Truth Social, noting the suspect had a violent history and possible obsession with the White House.
•Journalists at the White House were ordered to shelter after hearing gunshots, reflecting active security protocols.
•The Secret Service stated the incident was isolated and praised the swift response of officers in neutralizing the threat.
•Authorities are investigating the motive and background of the gunman as part of a preliminary probe.
Washington, D.C., May 24, 2026 — A gunman who approached a White House security checkpoint and opened fire on Secret Service officers outside the presidential residence was fatally shot by law enforcement late Saturday evening, federal officials confirmed. The incident unfolded shortly after 6 p.m. ET on May 23, prompting immediate lockdowns and shelter-in-place orders for journalists and staff inside the White House compound.
According to a statement released by the U.S. Secret Service, the suspect approached a checkpoint near the perimeter of the White House and removed a firearm from his bag before discharging several shots at officers stationed at the post. In response, the Secret Service officers returned fire, striking the gunman, who was rushed to a nearby hospital where he later died from his injuries. The Secret Service confirmed that none of its officers were harmed during the exchange, and that President Donald Trump — who was inside the White House at the time of the shooting — was not affected.
A bystander was also struck during the incident, though federal law enforcement officials have not clarified whether the individual was hit by the suspect’s bullets or by gunfire from responding officers. The Secret Service has not provided further details regarding the bystander’s condition or identity.
President Trump took to Truth Social on Sunday morning to acknowledge the security 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, who had a violent history and possible obsession with our Country’s most cherished structure,” he wrote in a post. The president’s statement underscored concerns about the suspect’s background, which officials described as violent and potentially fixated on the White House.
Journalists working at the White House on Saturday evening reported hearing multiple gunshots and were promptly instructed by security personnel to take shelter inside the press briefing room. The rapid lockdown highlighted the ongoing security protocols in place around the executive mansion, especially in the wake of recent threats and incidents involving national landmarks.
Federal authorities have initiated a preliminary investigation into the shooting. While the Secret Service characterized the event as isolated, they emphasized the importance of vigilance and the swift neutralization of threats to protect both the presidency and the public. The incident comes amid heightened security measures across Washington, D.C., following several high-profile security breaches in recent years.
As of the latest update, no further threats have been reported, and the White House remains under enhanced security. Authorities continue to review surveillance footage and gather evidence to determine the full circumstances surrounding the shooting.
