U.S. Secret Service agents shot a man near the White House on Monday after he allegedly fired toward officers during an attempted apprehension, authorities said. A bystander was also injured in the incident.
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Officials said it was not immediately clear whether the episode had any connection to the White House or to President Donald Trump.
Confrontation Near the White House
According to Secret Service Deputy Director Matthew Quinn, plainclothes officers spotted a man they considered suspicious at around 3:30 p.m. ET. Quinn said the individual appeared to have a firearm, prompting officers to alert nearby uniformed personnel.
When officers approached him, the suspect fled on foot and then produced a firearm, Quinn said.
Authorities say the man fired toward Secret Service agents, who returned fire. The suspect was struck and later taken to hospital. Quinn told reporters he did not know the man’s condition.
The incident occurred at the intersection of 15th Street and Independence Avenue, just south of the White House complex.
Bystander Injured
During the exchange of gunfire, a bystander was also hit by a shot allegedly fired by the suspect. Quinn said the injured person is a minor.
The bystander was taken to hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening.
Investigators later recovered a weapon from the suspect, though officials did not immediately release details about the firearm.
Quinn said plainclothes officers had first identified the man after noticing what he described as a “visual print” of a gun, suggesting the outline of a weapon visible through clothing.
Motorcade Passed Nearby
The shooting occurred shortly after the motorcade of Vice President JD Vance passed through the area.
Quinn said the suspect did not target the motorcade and that there was no indication he intended to approach or attack it.
Witnesses told NBC News they saw a man running toward the motorcade shortly before shots were heard. NBC journalists at the scene reported hearing three or four gunshots moments after the motorcade departed the White House grounds.
White House Activity Uninterrupted
At the time of the shooting, Trump was inside the White House hosting a small business summit in the East Room. Officials said the event continued without interruption.
The White House North Lawn was briefly evacuated during the incident. Secret Service personnel carrying long guns directed members of the press to leave the lawn and move inside the briefing room.
Reporters were allowed to return outside less than 10 minutes later.
Quinn said it remained unclear whether the suspect had any connection to the president or to the White House itself.
Investigation Underway
The investigation will be led by Washington’s Metropolitan Police Department.
Asked whether the incident might be linked to previous threats against Trump, Quinn said authorities would continue examining the circumstances.
The shooting comes about a week after a man from California, Cole Allen, was charged with attempting to assassinate the president on April 25.
Quinn declined to provide further details on how officers initially determined the man was suspicious.
“We’re patrolling this area and every site we do, 24/7, hard core,” he said.
Security Scrutiny
The episode highlights ongoing security concerns around the White House and its surrounding streets, which are regularly monitored by the Secret Service.
Officials said investigators are continuing to gather evidence and review witness accounts to determine what led to the confrontation.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 5 May 2026
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