Law enforcement authorities are responding to shots that were fired near the White House grounds on Saturday evening, May 23, 2026, FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed. Journalists working at the White House reported hearing a series of gunshots and were instructed to seek shelter inside the press briefing room, where U.S. Secret Service officers prevented them from leaving.
Incident Details
Police vehicles and armed officers were seen near the White House in Washington, D.C., following reports of shots fired. According to AFP journalists, police and security forces swarmed the area around the White House. President Donald Trump was inside the White House at the time, working to negotiate a deal with Iran.
There were no immediate reports of any injuries. The Secret Service and the Metropolitan Police Department did not immediately respond to requests for information. In a social media post, FBI Director Kash Patel stated that officers were responding to the shots fired and said he would update the public as information becomes available.
Security Response
Journalists working at the White House on Saturday evening heard a series of gunshots and were told to seek shelter inside the press briefing room. Secret Service officers prevented them from leaving the building as the situation unfolded. The area around the White House was heavily secured, with armed officers and police vehicles visible.
The incident occurred as President Trump was inside the White House. The president's safety was not compromised, and no injuries have been reported. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working to determine the source of the shots.
