US police responding to dozens of shots fired near White House
US law enforcement agencies are responding to reports of more than 30 gunshots fired near the White House. A suspect is ‘down’ and was transported to hospital.
Multiple law enforcement agencies are responding to a shooting near the White House, where President Trump was reportedly present. A suspect is in custody and receiving medical attention, following reports of over 30 shots fired.
Imagine the White House is like a really important building where the president lives and works. Suddenly, someone started shooting at the security guards around the building. Police quickly caught the person who was shooting and took them to a hospital. The president was safe inside the White House, and the area was closed off so everyone could be safe. It’s like a game of tag, but with guns, and the police were there to stop it.
Analysis
On May 23, 2026, US law enforcement agencies were responding to reports of more than 30 gunshots fired near the White House in Washington, DC. According to a law enforcement official, a suspect was ‘down’ and transported to George Washington Hospital. The exact condition of the suspect remains undisclosed. Reuters reported that the Secret Service shot a person near the White House, and a bystander was also shot. Both individuals were reportedly in critical condition. President Donald Trump was inside the White House at the time of the incident. Police cordoned off access to the White House, and National Guard troops blocked reporters from entering the area. Al Jazeera’s Kimberly Halkett reported that more than 30 shots were heard from the White House North Lawn. The Secret Service was conducting identification checks at the intersection of 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue when the suspect allegedly approached and opened fire. Journalists were ordered to run and shelter in the press briefing room. FBI Director Kash Patel stated that officers were responding to shots being fired and would provide updates as available. White House Communications Director Steven Cheung posted on X that President Trump was working at 8 p.m. This incident follows an attempted assassination of the president at the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner on April 25. The area surrounding the White House was secured, and access was restricted.
Key points
- More than 30 shots were fired near the White House.
- A suspect is in custody and hospitalized.
- President Trump was inside the White House at the time.
- The Secret Service was conducting identification checks.
- Police cordoned off the area and restricted access.
