The White House North Lawn was cleared by the Secret Service on Saturday evening after the sound of apparent gun shots.
In a social media post, the Secret Service said it was aware of reports of shots fired near the White House.
A member of the U.S. Secret Service watches holding his weapon after alleged gunfire was heard nearby, at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 23, 2026.
Nathan Howard/Reuters
"We are aware of reports of shots fired near 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW and are working to corroborate the information with personnel on the ground. Additional information will be provided as it becomes available," the Secret Service said in an X post.
A member of the National Guard stands behind yellow tape cordoning an area near the White House, after alleged gunshots were heard nearby, in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 23, 2026.
Kylie Cooper/Reuters
FBI Director Kash Patel said in an X post that the agency is on scene and assisting the Secret Service.
An armed Secret Service agent is seen next to an ambulance near the White House in Washington, DC, on May 23, 2026. Police and security forces swarmed the area around the White House on the evening of May 23 after reports of shots fired, AFP journalists said.
Alex Wroblewski/AFP via Getty Images
Secret Service agents are seen after a lockdown was lifted at the White House in Washington, DC, on May 23, 2026. Police and security forces swarmed the area around the White House on the evening of May 23 after reports of shots fired, AFP journalists said. US President Donald Trump was at the White House at the time as he worked to negotiate a deal with Iran.
Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images
"We will update the public as we’re able," Patel said.
The president was in the White House this weekend.
Police vehicles and armed Secret Service agents are seen on a blocked street near the White House in Washington, DC, on May 23, 2026. Police and security forces swarmed the area around the White House on the evening of May 23 after reports of shots fired, AFP journalists said.
Alex Wroblewski/AFP via Getty Images
Reporters were told to sprint into the White House Press Briefing Room.
A U.S. Secret Service agent runs after alleged gunshots were heard nearby, at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 23, 2026.
Nathan Howard/Reuters
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
