A MAN opened fire near the White House on Monday after an encounter with law enforcement, injuring a teenager at the scene before being shot by the United States Secret Service, according to authorities cited by the German news agency dpa.
The United States Secret Service, which is responsible for safeguarding the US president and senior officials, said on social media platform X that the incident “stemmed from an encounter between an armed individual and Secret Service police.”
Both the suspect and the injured teenager were taken to hospital. Authorities did not immediately disclose the condition of the gunman, while the teenager’s injuries were described as not life-threatening.
The shooting occurred south of the White House, near the Washington Monument, prompting a temporary security lockdown around the presidential complex, although the inner grounds were not directly affected.
Deputy Director Matt Quinn said officers had earlier identified the man during the afternoon after noticing what appeared to be a firearm concealed beneath his clothing.
The suspect fled before later confronting uniformed officers, during which he opened fire.
The Secret Service had earlier stated that emergency responders were active in the area and urged the public to avoid the vicinity while the situation was being brought under control.
Journalists inside the White House were reportedly moved to a briefing room during the incident.
US President Donald Trump continued with an event involving small business owners while the security operation unfolded nearby. - May 5, 2026
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