Secret Service kills gunman at White House checkpoint, bystander struck

A 21-year-old man was shot and killed by Secret Service agents Saturday after he opened fire at a White House security checkpoint near 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, while a bystander was also wounded in the exchange, according to ABC7 Los Angeles.

The shooting marked at least the second attack near the executive mansion in about a month, raising fresh questions about White House perimeter security. The suspect was known to authorities — arrested in July 2025 after attempting to bypass a White House security checkpoint and under a court-issued stay-away order ever since.

Around 6 p.m. Saturday, the suspect approached the checkpoint, removed a weapon from a bag and opened fire at officers stationed there, ABC7 Los Angeles reported. President Trump was in the Oval Office at the time of the incident and was not harmed.

"Secret Service police officers returned fire, striking the suspect, who was transported to an area hospital, where he later died," the Secret Service said in an official statement.

No Secret Service officers were reported injured. A bystander was also struck during the exchange, though it remained unclear whether the person was hit by the suspect's gunfire or by rounds from officers responding to the attack. The bystander's condition was not immediately known, according to ABC7 Los Angeles.

Trump posted a statement on social media shortly after the shooting. "The gunman is dead after an exchange of gunfire with Secret Service Agents near the White House gates," Trump said. He added: "Thank you to our great Secret Service and Law Enforcement for the swift and professional action taken this evening against a gunman near the White House, who had a violent history and possible obsession with our Country's most cherished structure."

Court records cited by ABC7 Los Angeles show the suspect had a documented history with White House security. He was involuntarily committed June 26, 2025, in a separate incident, then arrested July 10, 2025 after attempting to breach the security checkpoint, and was issued a stay-away order from the White House the following day, July 11, 2025.

FBI Director Kash Patel assisted Secret Service in the investigation, according to ABC7 Los Angeles. The attack occurred approximately one month after a separate shooting near the White House during the Correspondents' Dinner.

The FBI and Secret Service are continuing to investigate, ABC7 Los Angeles reported. The incident has renewed calls to review security protocols along the White House perimeter.