3 min readMay 24, 2026 05:16 AM IST First published on: May 24, 2026 at 04:41 AM IST

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

— FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) May 23, 2026

There were no immediate details on the condition of those injured.

What exactly happened

Gunfire was reported near the intersection of Pennsylvania Avenue and 17th Street Northwest, about a block from the White House. Secret Service personnel responded after receiving information about a person allegedly firing a weapon, officials said.

Journalists on the White House grounds reported hearing multiple shots. Members of the press were moved into the briefing room and told to shelter in place as agents secured the area.

A member of the Secret Service guards the door of the press briefing room at the White House. (Photo: AP)

Secret Service said it was “aware of reports of shots fired” at the location and was working to verify details with officers on the ground.

CNN reporters said they heard what sounded like dozens of shots. Video shared by journalists showed people taking cover on the North Lawn as agents shouted warnings and directed them to move inside.

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. pic.twitter.com/iqdQwh4soq

— Selina Wang (@selinawangtv) May 23, 2026

Armed Secret Service officers were later seen moving across the grounds, and access to the briefing room was restricted during the response. The lockdown was lifted shortly after 6:45 pm ET.

Official response

Patel said the FBI was assisting the Secret Service at the scene. The Metropolitan Police Department did not immediately provide further information.

President Donald Trump was inside the White House at the time of the incident. Authorities have not released details about the suspect or the circumstances that led to the shooting.

Members of the DC Fire Department stand near an EMS truck after police and Secret Service blocked streets around the White House. (Photo: AP)

The incident comes weeks after a separate security breach near the White House, when a suspect carrying a shotgun ran through a checkpoint and exchanged fire with Secret Service agents. He later pleaded not guilty to charges including attempting to assassinate the president.

This is a developing story and will be updated.