Secret Service, FBI respond to reports of 'shots fired' near White House

BySelina Wang, Luke Barr, Jack Date and Ivan Pereira ABCNews logo
Saturday, May 23, 2026 11:38PM
White House lawn cleared after apparent gunshots

WASHINGTON -- 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.

"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.

Police and members of the Secret Service stand near an EMS truck after blocking streets around the White House, Saturday, May 23, 2026, in Washington.
Police and members of the Secret Service stand near an EMS truck after blocking streets around the White House, Saturday, May 23, 2026, in Washington.
(AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

FBI Director Kash Patel said in an X post that the agency is on scene and assisting the Secret Service.

"We will update the public as we're able," Patel said.

The president was in the White House this weekend.

Reporters were told to sprint into the White House Press Briefing Room.

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

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