Television cameras captured the harrowing moment gunshots rang out near the White House on Monday, sending reporters scrambling for cover as Secret Service agents swiftly evacuated them to the press briefing room. The incident prompted a lockdown of the presidential complex, with armed officers responding to the scene.
Details of the Incident
Between 20 to 30 gunshots were heard by journalists gathered on the North Lawn, according to NBC News reporter Julie Trskin. In a post on X, she wrote: "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." She later shared an image 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."
Fox News reported that the shooter had been taken down by the Secret Service. 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, widely 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.
Official Responses
There were no immediate reports of injuries or information about the circumstances. The Secret Service said in a statement 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." It said it will have an update shortly. FBI Director Kash Patel also posted on social media, confirming officers were responding to shots fired and promising to "update the public as we’re able."
President Donald Trump was inside the White House at the time of the incident. The White House has not yet issued an official statement.
