The Secret Service said officers shot and killed an armed man who opened fire at a White House checkpoint Saturday evening.
A bystander was also struck by gunfire in the incident, but it was not immediately clear how, the Secret Service said.
The man, who has not yet been named by authorities, allegedly walked up to the checkpoint in the area of 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW around 6 pm, removed a weapon from a bag and began firing at the officers posted there, the Secret Service said.
A member of the US Secret Service watches holding his weapon after alleged gunfire was heard nearby, at the White House in Washington, DC, US, May 23, 2026.
Nathan Howard/Reuters
«Secret Service police officers returned fire, striking the suspect, who was transported to an area hospital, where he later died,» the Secret Service said in a statement.
A member of the National Guard stands behind yellow tape cordoning an area near the White House, after alleged gunshots were heard nearby, in Washington, DC, US, May 23, 2026.
Kylie Cooper/Reuters
Regarding the bystander who was shot, the Secret Service said: «It remains unclear whether the bystander was struck by the suspect’s initial gunfire or during the subsequent exchange of gunfire.»
There was no immediate word on the bystander’s condition.
No Secret Service members were injured during the incident, which is still under investigation.
What we know about the suspect
The alleged suspect was a 21-year-old who was known to the Secret Service, multiple officials told ABC News.
Courts records indicate that the same alleged suspect had a stay–away order from the White House put in place on July 11, 2025.
He had been arrested the day before after attempting to get into the White House and get past a security checkpoint, according to a court record. He told officers he was «Jesus Christ» and allegedly told officers he wanted to get arrested.
In a separate incident on June 26, he was involuntarily committed, according to the same court record
An armed Secret Service agent is seen next to an ambulance near the White House in Washington, DC, on May 23, 2026. Police and security forces swarmed the area around the White House on the evening of May 23 after reports of shots fired, AFP journalists said.
Alex Wroblewski/AFP via Getty Images
Reporters told to run for cover
At the time of the shooting, Trump was in the Oval Office working with aides Steven Cheung, Natalie Harp, Margo Martin and others, according to a White House Official.
Secret Service agents are seen after a lockdown was lifted at the White House in Washington, DC, on May 23, 2026. Police and security forces swarmed the area around the White House on the evening of May 23 after reports of shots fired, AFP journalists said. US President Donald Trump was at the White House at the time as he worked to negotiate a deal with Iran.
Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images
ABC News’ Selina Wang was filming a piece for social media platforms at the White House when the apparent gun shots sounded. She and crew members quickly ducked for cover.
FBI Director Kash Patel said in an X post that the agency was on scene and assisting the Secret Service.
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«We will update the public as we’re able,» Patel said.
Police vehicles and armed Secret Service agents are seen on a blocked street near the White House in Washington, DC, on May 23, 2026. Police and security forces swarmed the area around the White House on the evening of May 23 after reports of shots fired, AFP journalists said.
Alex Wroblewski/AFP via Getty Images
When the gunshots sounded, reporters were told to sprint into the White House Press Briefing Room.
A US Secret Service agent runs after alleged gunshots were heard nearby, at the White House in Washington, DC, US, May 23, 2026.
Nathan Howard/Reuters
ABC News’ Pierre Thomas, Josh Margolin and Aaron Katersky contributed to this report.
