BREAKING: White House On Lockdown After “Dozens Of Gunshots” Ring Out
on May 23, 2026 • Updated May 23, 2026
Media agencies on location at the White House report hearing numerous gunshots near the North Lawn.
Just hours after news emerged of a possible peace deal with Iran, gunfire rang out near the White House on Saturday evening (May 23). Those on site said that the incident prompted a lockdown and a “rapid response” from the U.S. Secret Service.
An official told CNN that they were investigating shots fired just outside of the White House complex, but another reporter said that the sounds seemed to come from the Eisenhower Executive Office Building area of the White House complex.
Press corps members who were gathered on the North Lawn were rushed into the White House and told to shelter in place.
ABC News reporter Selina Wang was recording a video on her phone when gunshots rang out. She is seen taking cover before being told to seek shelter in the press briefing room.
I was in the middle of taping on my iPhone for a social video from the White House North Lawn when we heard the shots. It sounded like dozens of gunshots. We were told to sprint to the press briefing room where we are holding now. pic.twitter.com/iqdQwh4soq
— Selina Wang (@selinawangtv) May 23, 2026
A New Update Reveals That A Gunman Was “Taken Down” By Secret Service Agents
According to Fox News, a lone gunman approached a gate on the western side of the White House. He fired three shots from a pistol toward the White House.
Secret Service agents immediately returned fire, taking down the gunman. A civilian was also struck during the exchange. The condition of the gunman and the civilian is unknown.
Fox News also confirmed that President Donald Trump was present at the White House at the time of the shooting.
🚨 UPDATE ON SHOOTING OUTSIDE OF WHITE HOUSE:
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) May 23, 2026
-Around 6pm, Gunman approached White House gate on West Side
-Gunman brandished pistol, fired 3x toward White House
-Secret Service returned fire
-Gunman taken down
-Bystander on street also hit by gunfire
-Gunman never got in… pic.twitter.com/WJdZx3qVAg
The lockdown has since been lifted, and the FBI is on scene to help with an investigation into the shooting.
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