According to a statement posted on social media, gunshots were heard near the White House on Saturday night, May 23, triggering a lockdown and prompt response from the U.S. Secret Service and FBI.
FBI Director Kash Patel said in a post on X that the FBI is assisting with the response and will provide further updates.
“The FBI is on the scene assisting the Secret Service in responding to shots fired near the White House grounds. We will provide updates to the public as soon as possible,” the post said.
CNN reporters at the scene said they heard what sounded like dozens of gunshots near the White House complex. CBS News reported that about 20 gunshots were heard shortly after 6 p.m. ET, and reporters said the sounds appeared to come from the side of the White House complex that includes the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. Secret Service officials told CNN they are investigating reports of shots fired near the northwest corner of 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, just outside the White House grounds.
According to CNN, members of the press corps gathered on the North Lawn were forced inside as Secret Service agents yelled to “stand down” and threatened to “shoot,” and the reporters were ushered into the White House briefing room. One reporter said the sound appeared to be coming from the side of the complex near the Eisenhower Executive Building.
CNN reported that after the incident, Secret Service agents carrying rifles were seen moving through the North Lawn area and blocking access to the press room area.
USA TODAY has reached out to the White House and Secret Service for additional comment.
No injuries or arrests were immediately reported.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
