The heart of the American capital once again turned into a battlefield on Saturday afternoon (May 23, 2026), when a gunman was shot dead by US Secret Service agents after he had previously approached a security checkpoint near the White House and opened fire on them.
This very serious incident, which occurred shortly before 6:00 p.m. local time (1:00 a.m. Sunday Greek time), immediately put the presidential residence’s security apparatus on alert, causing an immediate lockdown and a massive mobilization of law enforcement forces.
The chronicle of the bloody clash
According to initial reports and reports from reporters, more than 20 to 30 gunshots were heard in a rapid-fire rhythm at the intersection of 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest (NW) . Journalists and eyewitnesses described a “burst” of dozens of shots that sowed panic.
The attack did not take place within the White House perimeter, but outside government property , very close to the Eisenhower Executive Office Building (EEOB) , which is located on the west side of the complex. The assailant approached the exterior checkpoint and began shooting. The Secret Service agents’ reaction was immediate: they returned fire immediately, neutralizing the gunman on the spot.
Unfortunately, the wild exchange of gunfire did not lack casualties, as a passerby was injured and rushed to the hospital, without further details being known about his health condition.
Moments of panic in the North Square
At the time of the incident, several reporters were on the North Lawn of the White House for the daily news coverage. ABC News’ chief correspondent, Selina Wang , inadvertently recorded the first moments of the attack on her cell phone.
“I was in the middle of recording a video with my iPhone from the North Plaza of the White House when we heard the shots. It sounded like dozens of shots. We were told to run to the briefing room, where we remain now,” she wrote in a social media post, uploading the video that shows her and her colleagues running for cover.
Secret Service agents, armed with assault rifles , immediately deployed throughout the area, constantly shouting orders such as “get down” and “shootings,” and quickly leading the press representatives to the White House Press Briefing Room , which was blocked off for security reasons.
Donald Trump is completely safe
Throughout the incident, US President Donald Trump was inside the White House residence . As it became known, the American president remained completely safe , fully protected behind the bulletproof glass and the building’s draconian security measures, without running the slightest risk.
The strict lockdown was lifted shortly after 6:45 p.m. local time (00:45 a.m. Sunday Greek time), after authorities confirmed that there was no second active shooter in the area.
FBI investigation underway
The case has already been handed over to federal authorities. FBI Director Cass Patel , in an official statement via the X platform (formerly Twitter), confirmed the agency’s immediate involvement: “The FBI is on the scene supporting the Secret Service in responding to the shooting near the White House – we will update the public as more information becomes available.” Authorities are conducting a preliminary investigation to identify the perpetrator and shed light on the motives for the attack.
Memories from the recent past
This new incident comes about a month after the previous security breach that shocked the country. In late April, during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner , attendees – including journalists and top Trump administration officials – were forced to drop to the floor to take cover from gunfire.
The suspect in that attack, Col. Thomas Allen , had managed to get through a checkpoint carrying a rifle and exchanged gunfire with the Secret Service before being arrested. Allen, who has already been charged, has pleaded not guilty to the attempted assassination of Donald Trump .
Tonight’s attack, although dealt with exemplary speed and efficiency by the authorities, raises new, serious questions about the escalation of violence and the security gaps around the most well-guarded buildings on the planet.
