White House lockdown lifted after gunman brandishes pistol, fires multiple shots near grounds

White House lockdown lifted after gunman brandishes pistol, fires multiple shots near grounds

Secret Service agents returned fire to take down suspect

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White House on lockdown after apparent gunshots

Initial reports indicated shots were fired outside the White House.

Fox News has learned a male gunman armed with a pistol opened fire Saturday afternoon near the White House in Washington, D.C., engaging with the U.S. Secret Service.

Fox News Chief congressional correspondent Chad Pergram reported that at about 6 p.m. local time, a gunman fired about three shots toward the executive mansion and Secret Service agents returned fire, according to a senior administration official with direct knowledge of the incident.

The White House was placed on lockdown, which was later lifted.

The shooting unfolded near 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW, prompting a lockdown that was later lifted, according to the Secret Service.

A nearby civilian on the street was shot in the exchange, and their condition is unknown, the senior official said.

An armed Secret Service agent reacts at the White House in Washington, DC, after gunshots were reportedly heard on May 23, 2026. (Brendan Smialowski / AFP via Getty Images)

As many as 30 shots were reportedly heard in the direction of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building.

The senior official said the suspect never got inside the general perimeter of the White House grounds.

All members of the Secret Service were reported safe.

FBI Director Kash Patel said his agency's agents are at the scene and "supporting Secret Service responding to shots fired near White House grounds."

An armed Secret Service agent is seen near the White House in Washington, DC, after gunshots were apparently heard on May 23, 2026. (Brendan Smialowski / AFP via Getty Images)

Secret Service agents were heard telling reporters to "get down," before the press were ushered into the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room in the West Wing.

Secret Service agents were seen on the grounds with their weapons drawn.

An armed Secret Service agent looks on at the White House in Washington, DC, after gunshots were apparently heard on May 23, 2026. (Brendan SMIALOWSKI / AFP via Getty Images)

Hours before the alleged gunfire rang out, President Donald Trump announced the administration was close to finalizing a deal to end the war with Iran, noting he was in the White House Oval Office.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

Alexandra Koch is a Fox News Digital journalist who covers breaking news, with a focus on high-impact events that shape national conversation.

She has covered major national crises, including the L.A. wildfires, Potomac and Hudson River aviation disasters, Boulder terror attack, and Texas Hill Country floods.