The U.S. Secret Service shot an armed suspect near the White House on Monday after the individual allegedly opened fire toward officers during a confrontation, authorities confirmed.
According to Secret Service Deputy Director Matthew Quinn, the incident began around 3:30 p.m. ET when plainclothes officers identified a “suspicious individual” who appeared to be carrying a firearm. Uniformed officers were alerted and moved to apprehend the suspect.
The individual reportedly fled on foot and brandished a weapon, firing in the direction of agents. Secret Service personnel returned fire, striking the suspect, who was later transported to a hospital. Officials have not disclosed the suspect’s condition.
During the exchange, a bystander identified as a minor was also injured by gunfire allegedly from the suspect. Authorities said the injuries were not life-threatening, and the individual was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.
The shooting occurred at the intersection of 15th Street and Independence Avenue in Washington, D.C., prompting a swift security response. The North Lawn of the White House was briefly evacuated, with armed officers securing the area and directing members of the press to safety before normal access resumed minutes later.
Officials said it remains unclear whether the incident had any direct connection to U.S. President Donald Trump or the White House. At the time of the shooting, Trump was hosting a small business summit inside the East Room, and the event continued without interruption.
JD Vance’s motorcade had passed near the scene shortly before the incident. Authorities confirmed there was no indication the suspect targeted the motorcade or attempted to approach it.
The Metropolitan Police Department is leading the investigation into the shooting. Officials confirmed that a weapon was recovered from the suspect, though further details have not yet been released.
The incident comes amid heightened security concerns in the capital, following a recent attempted attack involving the president, though authorities have not established any link between the two events.