A man who opened fire on Secret Service officers at a White House security checkpoint Saturday evening was shot by officers and later died at a hospital.
Gunfire Erupts Near Newly Reopened Plaza
The suspect approached the checkpoint at 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW, drew a firearm from a bag and opened fire on officers, the Secret Service said in a statement. Officers returned fire, striking the suspect, who was transported to a hospital where he later died. The shooting took place at the western end of Pennsylvania Avenue, a pedestrian plaza on the north side of the White House. The area had reopened to the public only days earlier after being closed for several months.
The agency said the shooting remains under investigation.
Federal Response Widens
According to the Secret Service, a bystander was also struck by gunfire, though it remained unclear who fired the round that hit that person.
The Secret Service said no law enforcement personnel were injured in the exchange. President Donald Trump was at the White House at the time and was not hurt. The agency said it briefed Trump on the incident.
FBI Director Kash Patel said on X, “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.”
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Metropolitan Police Department are also assisting, NBC News reported.
The incident follows a separate shooting last month at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, where a gunman wounded a Secret Service officer.
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
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