WASHINGTON: A shooting near the White House has led to a lock-down of the White House complex following an attack by a gunman who fired his weapon near the security check point that is located at the entry point of the White House, as per media reports in the United States.
The attacker was immediately shot by agents from the Secret Service agency, according to the report, with the authorities not disclosing any information about the motive behind this action. According to the report, the assailant was emotionally disturbed.
Reports suggest that there were two casualties, while a person standing near the scene of crime suffered injuries in this episode. There were no injuries among the members of the Secret Service agency, as per the report.
The incident took place at around 6 pm local time.
Several journalists present near the White House at the time of the incident reported hearing dozens of gunshots, while television crews broadcasting live captured the sound of gunfire on air. Snipers were later deployed on the roof of the White House as security teams swept the area.
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
There were rumours circulating among media sources about President Donald Trump being within the White House at the time of the attack, but there was no immediate confirmation by authorities on the matter.
The shooting is just another addition to the series of threats toward the President of the USA following a recent one which took place in Washington where an armed man was attempting to harm Trump.
