The White House grounds were thrust into a sudden security lockdown Monday afternoon following a shooting involving the U.S. Secret Service just blocks from the executive mansion. Law enforcement officials confirmed that an agent shot an armed individual near the intersection of 15th Street and Independence Avenue during a tense confrontation.
The incident unfolded just as President Donald Trump was beginning remarks at a Small Business Summit in the East Room. While the President continued his speech without addressing the situation, the Secret Service moved quickly to secure the perimeter.
Reporters stationed on the North Lawn were ushered into the briefing room for their safety, while surrounding streets were closed to traffic.
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“U.S. Secret Service personnel are on the scene of an officer-involved shooting at 15th Street and Independence Avenue in Washington, D.C.,” the agency announced in a statement on X. “One individual was shot by law enforcement; their condition is currently unknown. Please avoid the area as emergency crews are responding.”
Initial reports from Susan Crabtree of RealClearPolitics indicate that agents engaged the suspect after an encounter near the White House. The suspect, whose identity has not been released, was taken into custody and transported to George Washington Hospital to be treated for gunshot wounds.
No Secret Service agents or bystanders were injured in the exchange, and the suspect’s firearm was recovered at the scene.
A heavy security presence, including National Guard troops, remained visible throughout the afternoon. Although caution tape was briefly erected at the corner of F and 15th Street, it was removed shortly after the suspect was neutralized.
This comes on the heels of a separate high-profile threat just days ago.
Last week, authorities arrested Cole Allen after he rushed the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in an assassination attempt. Allen currently faces federal charges that carry a potential life sentence.
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