Gunman who opened fire outside White House has died: US Secret Service
A bystander was also shot during the exchange of fire, the agency said, without providing the victim's condition.
Police vehicles and armed officers are seen near the White House in Washington, DC, on May 23, 2026. (Photo: AFP/Alex Wroblewski)
WASHINGTON: A gunman who opened fire on Secret Service officers outside the White House on Saturday evening (May 23) has died after being shot, the agency said in a statement.
A bystander was also shot during the exchange of fire, the agency said, without providing the victim's condition.
After the gunman opened fire on agents at a security checkpoint near the White House, "Secret Service police officers returned fire, striking the suspect, who was transported to an area hospital, where he later died," the statement said.
US President Donald Trump was at the White House at the time as he worked to negotiate a deal with Iran.
A law enforcement official told Reuters earlier that the shooting suspect was "down" and taken to George Washington Hospital, adding that a bystander was also shot and that both individuals were said to be in critical condition.
The person had approached the checkpoint at 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue near the White House and started shooting at officers.
The suspect was identified as an emotionally disturbed person, the official said, adding that a "stay-away order" had been issued to the suspect previously.
Earlier, the US Secret Service said it was investigating the incident and FBI Director Kash Patel said his agency was supporting the probe.
Canadian tourist Reid Adrian told AFP he was in the area when "we heard probably 20 to 25 what sounded like fireworks, but they're gunshots, and then everyone started running."
Journalists who were on the White House North Lawn at the time said on X that they were ordered to run and shelter in the press briefing room.
ABC News correspondent Selina Wang had been recording a video for social media when the apparent gunfire broke out, capturing the sounds of the shots as she dove to the ground.
"It sounded like dozens of gunshots," she said on X.
