An armed man was shot by United States Secret Service officers Monday afternoon near the White House after he opened fire, leaving both the suspect and a young bystander injured, officials said.
The shooting unfolded near the Washington Monument, a short distance from the White House grounds, where plainclothes agents on patrol spotted a man they believed was carrying a weapon.
Speaking to reporters, Secret Service Deputy Director Matthew Quinn said agents first noticed what appeared to be the outline of a firearm on the individual. They alerted uniformed officers, who moved in to approach him.
When officers made contact, the man ran briefly, then pulled out a gun and fired toward law enforcement, Quinn said. Officers returned fire, striking the suspect. He was taken to a nearby hospital. His condition was not immediately known.
Authorities also said a juvenile bystander was wounded during the exchange. The injuries were not life-threatening, and the individual was receiving medical care.
Quinn noted that investigators believe the bystander was likely hit by gunfire from the suspect, though officials said medical teams would determine that conclusively.
The incident prompted a rapid security response across the White House complex. Journalists working on the grounds were quickly ushered indoors as a precaution, and parts of the surrounding area were sealed off with police tape.
Despite the disruption, an event hosted by Donald Trump with small business owners continued inside the White House. The president did not address the shooting publicly.
Officials said there was no immediate sign that the suspect was targeting the White House or a specific individual. Quinn added that investigators are still working to determine a motive.
Vice President JD Vance had passed through the area shortly before the shooting, though authorities said there is no evidence linking the incident to his motorcade.
The Secret Service said plainclothes agents routinely patrol areas surrounding the White House to identify potential threats before they reach secure zones. Monday’s encounter followed that pattern, with agents noticing suspicious behavior and coordinating with uniformed officers.
The agency urged the public to avoid the area as emergency crews and investigators continued their work.
The shooting comes just over a week after another security scare near the White House. In that case, a man identified by authorities as Cole Tomas Allen allegedly forced his way through a security checkpoint during a high-profile dinner event attended by journalists and government officials. Prosecutors said he was armed and fired at a Secret Service officer, who was protected by body armor and survived.
Allen now faces multiple federal charges, including attempting to assassinate the president.
The latest shooting underscores the constant pressure on security agencies tasked with protecting one of the most sensitive locations in the United States.
The area around the White House is among the most heavily guarded in the country. Still, it remains accessible to tourists and residents, creating a complex balance between openness and security.
Incidents like Monday’s highlight how quickly routine patrols can turn into life-threatening situations. The presence of plainclothes agents is designed to spot risks early, before they escalate closer to the White House itself. In this case, officials say that early detection likely prevented a more serious outcome.
The timing also raises concerns. Two security incidents within days of each other suggest a heightened threat environment, even if investigators have not established a direct link between them.
Security experts often point out that high-profile locations attract individuals seeking attention or driven by personal grievances. While motives can vary widely, the response from law enforcement tends to follow strict protocols aimed at neutralizing threats as quickly as possible.
There is also the question of public safety. The injury to a bystander, even if not severe, shows the risks that come with armed confrontations in busy public areas. The National Mall and surrounding landmarks draw large crowds, making any incident there especially dangerous.
For the Secret Service, each event becomes part of a broader assessment. Agencies review response times, communication, and coordination to refine their approach for future situations.
At the same time, political leaders face pressure to maintain normal operations despite security concerns. The decision to continue the president’s event inside the White House reflects an effort to project stability and avoid disruption.
Still, repeated incidents can shape public perception. Even isolated events may raise questions about safety in areas that many view as symbolic and secure.
Investigators are expected to review surveillance footage, witness accounts, and forensic evidence to determine exactly what happened and whether the suspect had any specific intent.
For now, officials emphasize that there is no clear indication the White House itself was the target. But the investigation remains active, and more details are likely to emerge in the coming days.
AP/NYPost
