Secret Service Exchanges Gunfire With Armed Suspect Near White House, Lockdown Briefly Enforced in Washington D.C.

The US Secret Service confirmed that its officers exchanged gunfire with an armed and “suspicious individual” near the White House on Monday, leading to a brief lockdown of the presidential complex.

“suspicious individual that appeared to have a firearm.”

According to Secret Service Deputy Director Matthew Quinn, agents patrolling the outer perimeter identified a person who was acting in a suspicious manner and appeared to be carrying a weapon.

When officers approached, the individual fled on foot and subsequently fired in their direction. “suspicious individual that appeared to have a firearm.”

In response, Secret Service agents returned fire, striking the suspect, who was later hospitalized. Authorities confirmed that the suspect survived but remains under medical care.

Quinn also stated that a juvenile bystander was struck by the suspect during the incident but did not suffer life-threatening injuries and is receiving treatment at a hospital.

The suspect was not on White House grounds at the time of the confrontation, officials clarified. “suspicious individual that appeared to have a firearm.”

Authorities said agents initially observed what appeared to be a firearm, prompting them to engage the individual. Vice President JD Vance’s motorcade had passed through the area shortly before the incident, though officials confirmed there was no indication of any link or threat to him.

The incident triggered heightened security measures in Washington, D.C., where law enforcement has been on alert following recent security concerns, including a separate shooting incident near a White House-related event last month.

Officials also confirmed that President Donald Trump was inside the White House during the incident. However, investigators have not yet determined whether the suspect specifically intended to target any political figure.

A weapon was recovered from the scene, though authorities have not released further details. The DC Police Department is leading the investigation alongside federal agencies.