Gunfire Erupts Near White House, Leaving Two Critically Injured
In a startling incident near the White House on Saturday, the U.S. Secret Service shot an individual, with another person caught in the crossfire, according to a law enforcement official. Both victims are reported to be in critical condition.
Reporters stationed at the White House recounted hearing a volley of gunshots, prompting them to take cover within the press briefing room. The Secret Service, through a post on X, acknowledged the reports of shots fired near 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW, a block from the White House. They assured the public that they were actively verifying details with on-ground personnel.
FBI Director Kash Patel also took to social media to confirm that officers were responding to the incident, assuring updates as soon as possible. At the time of the shooting, President Donald Trump was confirmed to be inside the White House.
Visual evidence of the shooting was apparent just outside the White House perimeter, where police tape bordered the scene, and Secret Service personnel marked numerous evidence points on the ground. Medical supplies, such as surgical gloves and emergency response kits, were also present at the site.
ABC News senior White House correspondent Selina Wang captured a dramatic video during the incident. While filming a routine social media post about President Trump’s earlier comments on a possible Iran deal, the sound of gunfire startled Wang, prompting her to duck for cover. Her video, shared on X, quickly went viral with over 3 million views by Saturday evening.
The Metropolitan Police Department advised the public to steer clear of the area, noting that the Secret Service was handling the situation. The shooting location is close to where, last November, a gunman attacked two members of the West Virginia National Guard, resulting in the death of U.S. Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom and critical injury to Andrew Wolfe. Rahmanullah Lakanwal was charged for that attack.
This shooting incident follows closely on the heels of an alleged assassination attempt on the president on April 25 during the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner. Cole Tomas Allen from Torrance, California, pleaded not guilty to the charges and is held in federal custody. Additionally, on May 4, Secret Service agents shot a suspect who purportedly fired near the Washington Monument, injuring a teenager. Michael Marx from Midland, Texas, faces charges related to that shooting.
This article was originally written by www.npr.org
