WASHINGTON (Kaab TV) – A suspected gunman was shot dead by U.S. security forces after opening fire near the White House, triggering a major security response in one of the most heavily protected areas of the United States capital.
According to preliminary reports cited by Al Jazeera and American media outlets, the incident occurred near Pennsylvania Avenue, close to a security perimeter guarded by officers from the United States Secret Service.
Authorities said the suspect opened fire near the protected zone before Secret Service agents responded with gunfire. The man was critically wounded during the exchange and later died after being transported to a hospital. Officials also confirmed that one civilian was injured during the incident, though details regarding the extent of the injuries have not yet been released.
The Secret Service stated that none of its personnel were harmed and that officers quickly secured the area to prevent further danger. Reports indicated that Donald Trump was inside the White House complex at the time of the shooting, although officials stressed that there was no immediate threat to the president.
The latest shooting near the White House comes just days after another armed incident in which a gunman reportedly approached the area surrounding the presidential complex and opened fire, further raising concerns about the security of senior U.S. officials and federal institutions.
Following the incident, security around the White House and surrounding federal buildings was significantly tightened. Several roads in downtown Washington, D.C. were temporarily closed while emergency teams, bomb squads, and investigators secured the scene and conducted forensic examinations.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Metropolitan Police Department of Washington, D.C. have launched a joint investigation into the motive behind the attack, the identity of the suspect, and whether the shooting was politically motivated or linked to broader security threats.
The incident comes at a time of growing concern over threats against senior U.S. political figures and government institutions. In recent years, Washington has witnessed several high-profile security scares, including attempted attacks near federal buildings, politically motivated violence, and increased threats targeting elected officials.
Security experts say the latest shooting highlights the ongoing challenges faced by U.S. law enforcement agencies in protecting sensitive government sites amid rising political polarization and concerns over domestic extremism.
The White House remains one of the most secured locations in the world, protected by layers of armed security personnel, surveillance systems, checkpoints, barriers, and restricted-access zones. Even minor incidents near the complex often trigger immediate lockdown procedures and rapid tactical responses from federal agencies.
Authorities are expected to release additional information in the coming hours as investigators continue reviewing surveillance footage, interviewing witnesses, and examining evidence recovered from the scene.