On May 4, 2026, at approximately 15:30 local time, a shooting involving Secret Service agents occurred in the park located between the White House and the Washington Monument. The incident began when an officer noticed signs of a weapon on a suspect and initiated a pursuit, during which the individual opened fire. Both the suspect and a teenage bystander sustained injuries and were transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening wounds.
Although Vice President J.D. Vance's motorcade had passed the area shortly before the shooting, officials stated there is no evidence of a direct connection. President Donald Trump was delivering a speech inside the White House at the time, which led to a temporary lockdown of the complex for staff and journalists. According to CNN sources in law enforcement, authorities are currently investigating the suspect's motives and whether there was an attempt to enter the executive mansion.
CYTAT: „One of the officers, after noticing signs of a weapon on the suspect, began to pursue him. After a moment, the man opened fire on the officers.” — according to the statement by Secret Service Deputy Director Matt Quinn.
KONTEKST: The incident occurred amid heightened security following a previous shooting on April 25 at a correspondents' gala. Law enforcement is investigating whether the suspect attempted to breach the White House perimeter.