Reporters on the North Lawn of the White House heard approximately 20 shots coming from the side of the complex on Saturday evening, prompting the U.S. Secret Service to move members of the media indoors as a precaution. The incident occurred just after 6 p.m. Eastern Time, with the sounds appearing to originate from the area near the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, according to multiple local and national reporters present at the time.
Response and Investigation
The Secret Service immediately responded by ushering reporters inside the White House grounds. Anthony Guglielmi, a spokesperson for the Secret Service, stated to CBS News that the agency is investigating reports of shots fired near 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW. He added that officials are working to corroborate initial details with personnel on the ground. The FBI has also joined the investigation, though no official statements have been released regarding potential suspects or motives.
Security Protocols Activated
The White House complex went into lockdown as security protocols were activated. Law enforcement officers were seen securing the perimeter and conducting a sweep of the area. No injuries have been reported so far, and the situation remains under active investigation. The incident has raised concerns about security around the nation's most prominent landmark, though authorities have not indicated any ongoing threat.
