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Fox News has learned a male gunman armed with a pistol, who opened fire Saturday afternoon near the White House in Washington, D.C., was shot by the U.S. Secret Service and later pronounced dead at a local hospital.
At about 6 p.m. local time, the suspect allegedly approached a Secret Service checkpoint near 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW, removed a weapon from his bag and began firing at posted officers, a Secret Service spokesperson said.
The man, who is known to have a history of mental health issues, fired about three shots toward the executive mansion before he was taken down by Secret Service agents, according to a senior administration official with direct knowledge of the incident.
The White House was placed on lockdown, which was later lifted.
An adult bystander on the street was shot in the exchange and their condition is unknown, the senior official said.
An armed Secret Service agent reacts at the White House in Washington, DC, after gunshots were reportedly heard on May 23, 2026. (Brendan Smialowski / AFP via Getty Images)
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As many as 30 shots were reportedly heard in the direction of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building.
The senior official said the suspect never got inside the general perimeter of the White House grounds.
All members of the Secret Service were reported safe, though one uniformed agent was taken to the hospital as a precaution.
An armed Secret Service agent is seen near the White House in Washington, DC, after gunshots were apparently heard on May 23, 2026. (Brendan Smialowski / AFP via Getty Images)
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FBI Director Kash Patel said his agency’s agents are at the scene and “supporting Secret Service responding to shots fired near White House grounds.”
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) confirmed it is also responding, along with the Metropolitan Police Department.
Secret Service agents were heard telling reporters to “get down,” before the press were ushered into the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room in the West Wing.
Secret Service agents were seen on the White House grounds with their weapons drawn.
An armed Secret Service agent looks on at the White House in Washington, DC, after gunshots were apparently heard on May 23, 2026. (Brendan SMIALOWSKI / AFP via Getty Images)
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Hours before the alleged gunfire rang out, President Donald Trump announced the administration was close to finalizing a deal to end the war with Iran, noting he was in the White House Oval Office.
The president was at the White House during the incident but was not affected, according to the Secret Service.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
