Secret Service kills gunman outside White House after shots fired at checkpoint

A gunman was shot and killed by U.S. Secret Service officers after opening fire at a security checkpoint outside the White House on Saturday evening. The incident occurred near 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW. Officers returned fire after the suspect pulled a revolver from a bag and shot toward the booth, according to law enforcement sources.

The suspect was taken to George Washington University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. A bystander was also struck by gunfire and transported to a hospital; the bystander's condition was described as serious. Between 15 and 30 shots were fired during the exchange.

No Secret Service personnel were injured. " — Secret Service spokesperson, May 23, 2026 (CBS News) President Trump was inside the White House during the shooting and was not harmed. m.

Court records show the suspect had previous contact with the Secret Service. He was involuntarily committed to a psychiatric hospital on June 26, 2025, after obstructing vehicle entry near the White House complex. On July 10, 2025, he entered a restricted area outside the White House, ignored warning signs, and told officers he wanted to be arrested while claiming to be Jesus Christ.

Social media posts linked to the suspect included one that appeared to threaten violence against President Trump and another stating he was the son of God.

Thune and House Speaker Mike Johnson both issued statements praising the Secret Service response. Thune said he was grateful for the agents' decisive actions. FBI Director Kash Patel posted that the FBI was on scene supporting the Secret Service.