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- What officials say about the shooting at 17th Street
- Agency statements and named spokespeople
- Investigation details and identity reporting
- How the White House and press were affected
- Timeline and immediate response
- Context: recent Washington incidents and the Hilton shooting
- What to watch next in the investigation
A shooting near the White House left a suspected gunman dead and a bystander critically wounded, officials confirmed Saturday. The Secret Service says agents returned fire after a person opened fire at a checkpoint close to Pennsylvania Avenue, and investigators have launched a wide investigation as federal agents secure the scene.
What officials say about the shooting at 17th Street
The incident unfolded in the evening near 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW. Law enforcement sources say the suspect pulled a weapon from a bag and fired toward a Secret Service checkpoint.
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- Secret Service officers returned fire and struck the suspect.
- The suspect was taken to a nearby hospital and later pronounced dead.
- A bystander suffered gunshot wounds and is in critical condition.
- No Secret Service officers were reported injured at the scene.
Agency statements and named spokespeople
Secret Service Chief of Communications Anthony Guglielmi described the scene to reporters and confirmed agents fired at the individual. The agency said protectees and operations were not affected by the event.
FBI personnel were called in to support the response. Kash Patel, director of the FBI, posted a brief update saying the bureau was on site and would share more information as available.
Investigation details and identity reporting
Authorities have not publicly released the suspect’s name. Media outlets reported investigators linked the shooter’s identity to someone who had prior encounters near the White House.
The Secret Service said the matter remains under active investigation and promised additional details when they are cleared for release. News organizations reached out to both the White House and the agency for comment.
How the White House and press were affected
The President was inside the White House when shots were fired. Officials say no protectees were harmed and normal protective operations were not disrupted.
Reporters covering the White House were on site when the shooting occurred. They were quickly escorted into the briefing room and kept there under lockdown for roughly 40 minutes while agents secured the grounds.
ABC News correspondent Selina Wang described hearing a volley of shots while recording on the North Lawn and then being rushed to the press briefing room.
Timeline and immediate response
- Shooting reported near a Secret Service checkpoint at around early evening.
- Agents at the location returned fire and struck the suspect.
- The suspect was transported to a hospital and later pronounced dead.
- FBI arrived to assist and investigators began canvassing the scene.
Context: recent Washington incidents and the Hilton shooting
The episode comes weeks after gunfire at the Washington Hilton during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. That earlier incident prompted renewed scrutiny of security at high-profile events.
Authorities alleged that 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen fired near the main magnetometer at the Hilton. A Secret Service agent was reportedly struck in their protective vest and taken to a hospital.
- Allen was charged with attempting to assassinate the president and other offenses.
- Prosecutors also cited interstate weapons transportation and discharging a firearm during a violent crime.
- Allen pleaded not guilty at a court hearing earlier in May.
What to watch next in the investigation
Officials say evidence collection and witness interviews are ongoing. Federal investigators will review surveillance, ballistics and agent body-camera footage.
Authorities urged the public to avoid the area while law enforcement completes their work and said they will release updates when verified.
