Gunman Killed After Shooting Near White House Security Checkpoint

A suspected gunman was shot dead after opening fire near a security checkpoint close to the White House, prompting a temporary lockdown of the presidential complex.

According to the United States Secret Service, the incident occurred on Saturday evening near 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW in Washington, D.C.

Officials confirmed that the suspect approached the checkpoint shortly after 6 p.m. local time, pulled out a pistol and began firing at officers stationed at the area.

Secret Service agents immediately returned fire, fatally wounding the suspect.

The agency said the suspect was taken to a nearby hospital, where he later died.

During the exchange of gunfire, a bystander was also injured. Authorities said investigations were ongoing to determine whether the civilian was hit by the suspect’s bullets or during the return fire from security agents.

“It remains unclear whether the bystander was struck by the suspect’s initial gunfire or during the subsequent exchange of gunfire.”

The United States Secret Service confirmed that no personnel were injured during the incident and stated that Donald Trump, who was present at the White House at the time, was unharmed.

Following the shooting, journalists and White House correspondents in the area reportedly rushed for cover after hearing multiple gunshots.

A video shared online by ABC News correspondent Selina Wang captured the moment gunfire interrupted her live report, forcing her to dive for safety.

“We were told to sprint to the press briefing room, where we are holding now,” Wang said.

Several American media outlets later reported that the suspect allegedly had a history of mental health issues and had previously been arrested last year for attempting to enter another White House checkpoint without authorisation. Reports also claimed he had been issued a “stay away order.”

Reacting hours later, Trump praised the response of security officials in a social media post, commending what he described as the “swift and professional action” of law enforcement officers.

The incident comes less than three weeks after another shooting near the route of Vice President JD Vance’s motorcade outside the White House, where a civilian was also injured after a suspect reportedly brandished a firearm.