Secret Service probes reports of gunfire near White House

The reported gunfire occurred near the intersection of 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW, just outside the White House perimeter. Officials said they were working to verify the reports with personnel deployed on the ground.

The US Secret Service on Saturday said it was investigating reports of shots fired near the White House, triggering a major security response around the presidential complex in Washington, DC.

According to the agency, the reported gunfire occurred near the intersection of 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW, just outside the White House perimeter. Officials said they were working to verify the reports with personnel deployed on the ground.

The incident prompted heightened security measures across the White House complex, with Secret Service agents carrying rifles seen moving through the North Lawn area. Access to the White House press briefing room was temporarily blocked as reporters were instructed to “sprint” inside for shelter.

The North Lawn was later cleared by the Secret Service as part of the response operation.

Secret Service sniper teams were also seen positioned on the White House roof, a standard protective deployment during active security incidents.

Kash Patel said the FBI was assisting the Secret Service at the scene.

Authorities have not yet confirmed whether anyone was injured or taken into custody. Further details are awaited from the Secret Service.

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