Gunshots have reportedly been heard outside the White House on Saturday, prompting Secret Service agents to order members of the press gathered on the North Lawn to take shelter inside the briefing room, according to a reporter at the scene.
The incident unfolded as journalists were assembled outside the White House complex when what appeared to be multiple gunshots rang out nearby. Reporters were then directed to run inside by Secret Service personnel.
A social media post from reporter Julia Benbrook said approximately 20 to 30 members of the media were instructed to move quickly indoors after the sounds were heard.
Shortly after reports emerged on social media about the active shooter at the White House, FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that law enforcement was on scene investigating the situation.
“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,” Patel wrote on X.
Likewise, the Secret Service posted on X that it was “aware of reports of shots fired near 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW”—one block from the White House— and was “working to corroborate the information with personnel on the ground.”
The apparent shooting comes less than a month after a gunman, identified as 31-year-old California teacher Cole Allen, opened fire at the annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner in the nation’s capital.
Article continues below
Authorities confirmed two individuals had been injured during the incident, one was a suspect and the other likely a bystander. The extent of their injuries were not immediately known. The president was also confirmed to be safe.