On Saturday evening, a gunman reportedly opened fire just outside the White House, discharging approximately three shots before being swiftly subdued by the Secret Service, according to reports.
The incident occurred near Gate 17 on the West Side shortly before 6:30 p.m. Fox News correspondent Chad Pergram reported that a nearby civilian was apparently injured during the gunfire exchange.
In the aftermath, the sound of multiple gunshots sent members of the press, who were filming on the White House grounds, scrambling for safety. Secret Service agents instructed them to gather on the North Lawn and subsequently directed them to the press briefing room for safety.
FBI Director Kash Patel took to social media platform X to confirm the agency’s involvement, stating, “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.”
Selina Wang, a senior ABC White House correspondent, recounted the experience, saying, “I was in the middle of taping on my iPhone for a social video from the White House North Lawn when we heard the shots. It sounded like dozens of gunshots. We were told to sprint to the press briefing room where we are holding now.”
“It sounded like dozens of gunshots. We were told to sprint to the press briefing room where we are holding now.”
It wasn’t clear the source of the apparent gunfire. CNN reported that the lock down was later lifted at about 6:45 p.m.
The apparent shots rang out a little less than two hours after President Trump announced on Truth Social that he was in the Oval Office working on a peace deal with Iran.
It also comes about a month after a lone gunman opened fired a the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner, where Trump was in attendance.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
