An armed person opened fire near the White House on Saturday night, according to multiple news outlets and reporters on the grounds. FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed gunfire erupted and that the Secret Service was responding. The incident occurred while President Trump was at the residence.
Fox News and Reuters reported that a shooter approached a White House gate or checkpoint and fired multiple shots with a pistol, after which Secret Service agents returned fire. The White House did not immediately comment on the event.
This episode comes just four weeks after a separate gunman allegedly attempted to assassinate Trump at the White House Correspondents' Dinner. Trump had canceled a trip to his son Don Jr.'s wedding in the Bahamas on Saturday, choosing to remain in Washington amid talks to end the Iran war.
The Secret Service said it was investigating reported gunfire near 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW, the northwest corner of the grounds. CNN reported, citing a law enforcement official, that two people were shot in the exchange, though further details were not immediately available.
Authorities have not released the gunman's identity or motive. The incident underscores ongoing security concerns around the executive mansion even after recent high-profile threats.