Gunshots were fired near the White House on Saturday evening, according to Reuters. Police and security personnel quickly swarmed the area, sealing off access to the White House complex. President Donald Trump was inside the White House at the time, as he worked on negotiations related to a potential deal with Iran. There were no immediate reports of any injuries.
‘Dozens of gunshots’
Journalists on the North Lawn at the time later posted on X that they were instructed to run for cover and shelter inside the White House press briefing room.
Selina Wang, senior White House Correspondent for ABC News, shared a video capturing the moment the gunfire erupted. In the clip, she is seen recording on her phone before suddenly hearing the shots and immediately ducking for safety.
Posting on X, Wang wrote, “I was in the middle of taping on my iPhone for a social video from the White House North Lawn when we heard the shots. It sounded like dozens of gunshots. We were told to sprint to the press briefing room where we are holding now.”
Authorities respond
FBI Chief Kash Patel wrote on X, “FBI is on the scene and supporting Secret Service responding to shots fired near White House grounds – we will update the public as we’re able.”
On X, Secret Service said it was “aware of reports of shots fired near 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW and are working to corroborate the information with personnel on the ground. Additional information will be provided as it becomes available.”
White House correspondents’ dinner shooting
Saturday’s incident comes less than a month after gunfire erupted at the annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner at the Washington Hilton in Washington, D.C.
President Donald Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and several Cabinet members were evacuated from the venue by the Secret Service.
Authorities identified the suspect as Cole Tomas Allen, 31, who was arrested at the scene. He was charged with federal firearms offenses and attempting to assassinate US President Donald Trump. The charges include using a firearm during a violent crime and transporting a firearm across state lines with the intent to commit a felony.
