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 unidentified man allegedly walked up to the checkpoint in the area of 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW around 6 p.m., removed a weapon from a bag and began firing at the officers posted at the spot, the Secret Service said.
A member of the U.S. Secret Service watches holding his weapon after alleged gunfire was heard nearby, at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., 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, D.C., U.S., May 23, 2026.
Kylie Cooper/Reuters
The bystander, who was nearby, was shot during the incident, according to the Secret Service.
“It remains unclear whether the bystander was struck by the suspect’s initial gunfire or during the subsequent exchange of gunfire,” the Secret Service said.
There was no immediate word on the bystander’s condition.
No Secret Service members were hurt during the incident, which is still under investigation.
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
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 is on scene and assisting the Secret Service.
“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 U.S. Secret Service agent runs after alleged gunshots were heard nearby, at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 23, 2026.
Nathan Howard/Reuters
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.