Law enforcement authorities are responding to shots that were fired near the White House grounds, FBI Director Kash Patel said.
Journalists working there Saturday reported hearing a series of gunshots and were told to seek shelter inside the press briefing room, where U.S. Secret Service officers prevented them from leaving.
There were no immediate reports of any injuries. On X, Secret Service said it was “aware of reports of shots fired near 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW” — one block from the White House — and was “working to corroborate the information with personnel on the ground.”
In a social media post, FBI Director Kash Patel said officers were responding to shots fired and said he would “update the public as we’re able.”
President Donald Trump was inside the White House at the time.
The Metropolitan Police Department did not immediately respond to requests for information.
On a Saturday, law enforcement authorities responded to reports of gunfire near the White House grounds, leading to significant concern among journalists and officials present. FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed the situation, indicating that officers were actively addressing the situation. Journalists on-site reported hearing a series of shots and were instructed to take shelter in the press briefing room. U.S. Secret Service agents ensured that they remained inside for their safety.
The Secret Service acknowledged the situation through social media, stating that they were aware of the shots fired near 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW, which is just a block away from the White House. They were in the process of verifying the information with personnel on the ground. Fortunately, there were no immediate reports of injuries related to the incident.
During this time, President Donald Trump was inside the White House, further heightening the atmosphere of urgency and concern. The Metropolitan Police Department had not yet responded to inquiries for more information regarding the incident, leaving many details unclear as law enforcement agencies worked to assess the situation and ensure public safety.
As the story developed, updates were expected from authorities as they gathered more information about the circumstances surrounding the gunfire. The immediate response focused on securing the area and ensuring that all personnel, including journalists and government officials, were safe. The incident underscored the ongoing concerns regarding security in and around the White House, especially given the heightened tensions often associated with major U.S. government locations.
