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Shots Fired Near White House as Tensions Heighten
Politics Axios May 23, 2026

Shots Fired Near White House as Tensions Heighten

The White House experienced a tense evening Saturday when gunshots were reported near its grounds. Multiple reporters on-site confirmed hearing gunfire around 6:15 p.m. ET, prompting the Secret Service to respond and order media personnel to take shelter. The incident occurred just weeks after a gunman allegedly attempted to assassinate President Trump during the White House Correspondents' Dinner in April.

The FBI and Secret Service are investigating the shooting, which took place near the northwest corner of the White House grounds on 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW. Eyewitness accounts vary, with some reports indicating that a gunman fired at one of the gates, leading to a confrontation with Secret Service agents. CNN cited a law enforcement source stating that two individuals were shot during the encounter.

Local and national TV correspondents, including ABC reporter Selina Wang, captured the chaos on social media. Videos showed what appeared to be multiple shots being fired, followed by reporters diving for cover. The White House remained silent on the incident as of late Saturday evening, despite requests for comment. This latest development comes amid heightened security concerns following the April assassination attempt and ongoing discussions about the U.S.-Iran relationship.

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