Shots fired near White House! Secret Service takes down armed man

A man was shot and injured by the U.S. Secret Service near the White House early Sunday morning after allegedly brandishing a firearm during an encounter with officers. The incident, which took place near 17th and F Streets in Washington, D.C., is now under investigation by the Metropolitan Police Department‘s Internal Affairs Division.

According to the Secret Service, local law enforcement had previously alerted federal authorities about a potentially suicidal individual who was reportedly traveling from Indiana to Washington. At around midnight, officers located the suspect’s parked vehicle near the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, adjacent to the White House. Moments later, they spotted a man nearby matching the description provided by local police.

“As officers approached, the individual brandished a firearm, and an armed confrontation ensued, during which shots were fired by our personnel,” the Secret Service said in a statement. The man was transported to a nearby hospital, though his condition remains unknown. No Secret Service personnel were injured in the incident.

Incident Raises Security Concerns Near White House

The shooting occurred in a highly secured area, heightening concerns about potential threats near the White House complex. The Eisenhower Executive Office Building, located just west of the White House, houses key government offices, making any security breach or confrontation in its vicinity a matter of significant concern.

While the Secret Service has not disclosed additional details about the suspect’s background or possible motives, the agency confirmed that the case is being reviewed by Washington’s Metropolitan Police Department, which routinely investigates officer-involved shootings in the District of Columbia.

Trump Was Not in Washington at the Time

At the time of the incident, U.S. President Donald Trump was not in the White House. He was spending the weekend at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida, according to officials. While there is no indication that the man posed a direct threat to the president, the confrontation underscores the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in securing one of the most sensitive government sites in the country.

Secret Service and Law Enforcement Under Scrutiny

The shooting comes amid broader discussions about Secret Service procedures and response protocols. A recent Department of Homeland Security (DHS) review highlighted concerns about the agency’s preparedness and response strategies, suggesting that without reform, further security breaches could occur. The findings have prompted renewed scrutiny of how the Secret Service handles potential threats near high-security locations.

Law enforcement officials have not provided any updates on whether the man had made any prior threats or if he had specific intentions regarding the White House or government officials. The ongoing investigation is expected to clarify these details.

Investigation Continues

The Metropolitan Police Department’s Internal Affairs Division is leading the investigation, examining the circumstances that led to the shooting. Authorities have not disclosed whether the suspect fired any shots or what type of firearm he was carrying.

The Secret Service has not announced any changes to its security protocols in response to the incident but emphasized that it remains vigilant in protecting government officials and federal property.