News cameras captured the chilling moment gunshots rang out near the White House.
The building was reportedly placed ‘in lockdown’ as between 20 to 30 gunshots were heard by journalists outside, who were swiftly escorted into the press room by Secret Service agents.
Fox News reported that the shooter had been taken down by the Secret Service. CNN is now reporting two people have been shot in an encounter with the Secret Service at the White House.
Julie Trskin, a reporter for NBC News, wrote on X: “GUNSHOTS heard outside of the White House Approximately 20-30 Secret service told those of us gathered on the north lawn to run inside the press briefing room.”
View 2 ImagesArmed officials on the White House lawn(Image: X)
The journalist then shared a photograph of an armed officer stationed outside the door, adding: “Outside the press briefing doors right now…USSS officers, gun drawn, told us to run inside. White House now on lockdown.”
Images circulating on social media appeared to show snipers positioned on the roof of the building, alongside another armed officer marching across the White House lawn.
The video footage, shared on X, shows reporters diving for cover the instant the gunshots were heard – before armed officers rushed into frame to respond to the unfolding incident.
There were no immediate reports of injuries or information about the circumstances.
On X, the Secret Service said 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.” It said it will have an update shortly.
In a social media post, FBI Director Kash Patel said officers were responding to shots fired and said he would “update the public as we’re able.”
Article continues below
President Donald Trump was inside the White House at the time.