A juvenile bystander was transported to a hospital after being injured during an exchange of gunfire near the White House. Authorities said the injuries were not life-threatening. The incident prompted a temporary lockdown of the White House complex shortly after Vice President
JD Vance had departed the area. According to Secret Service Deputy Director Matthew C. Quinn, the confrontation unfolded near 15th Street and Independence Avenue in Washington, D.C.
In an official statement, the Secret Service confirmed that personnel responded to “an officer-involved shooting” after encountering an armed individual. Authorities said the suspect fled briefly on foot before allegedly firing at officers, who then returned fire.
The suspect was hospitalized, and investigators later recovered a weapon from the scene. Officials stated there was no immediate indication the White House or the vice president’s motorcade had been specifically targeted.
The shooting occurred just over a week after another major security incident involving alleged gunman Cole Tomas Allen. Prosecutors accused Allen, a 31-year-old from California, of attempting to breach security at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner while President
Donald Trump was attending the event. Federal prosecutors alleged Allen carried multiple weapons and attempted to force his way toward the ballroom before being stopped by security personnel.
During a federal court appearance, Assistant U.S. Attorney Jocelyn Ballantine described the allegations in stark terms, stating that Allen “attempted to assassinate the president of the United States.” Prosecutors requested that he remain detained while the investigation continues.
Authorities also indicated that additional charges may still be filed as investigators examine the full scope of the incident.
Officials emphasized that incidents involving armed confrontations near high-security government locations are treated with maximum urgency.
“This is the kind of situation that we cannot tolerate,” one official said while discussing the broader security concerns surrounding recent threats in Washington.
