White House shooting suspect dies in hospital
Washington DC, May 24
A suspect involved in a shooting near the White House was shot after opening fire on a US Secret Service checkpoint on Saturday night, according to CBS News and a Secret Service spokesperson. He later died in hospital.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect approached the checkpoint, pulled a weapon out of his bag and began firing on officers.
The Secret Service officers also opened fire and struck the suspect. He was taken to a hospital, where he died, as per CBS News. His name has not been released.
A bystander was also struck by gunfire, but it was unclear whether the bystander was hit by gunfire from the suspect or the officers. The bystander's condition was not immediately provided.
The US Secret Service in its statement said, "Shortly after 6 p.m Saturday an individual in the area of 17th street and Pennsylvania Avenue pulled a weapon from his bag and began firing."
"Secret Service Police returned fire striking the suspect who was transported to an area hospital where he was pronounced deceased. During the shooting one bystander was also struck by gunfire. No injuries were sustained by officers. The President was in the White House during the incident, however no protectees or operations were impacted. This incident remains under investigation and additional information will be released as it becomes available," it further read.
US Speaker Mike Johnson lauded the work by the secret service.
Assistant to the President, Steven Cheung said that US President Donald Trump was working when the incident happened and is still working.
In a post on X, Cheung said, "President Trump is working at 8:00 PM. Can't stop, won't stop."
Secretary of the US Department of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin lauded the work by Secret Service Officers and said, "I am closely monitoring the shooting incident near the White House and will update the public as we have more information. Tonight's shooting is a reminder of the dangers our law enforcement officers face every day. I am thankful for the bravery and swift action of the Secret Service officers involved. Thankfully, no officers were harmed."
— ANI
Reader Comments
Can't stop, won't stop? Seriously? This is the same administration that's always talking about law and order. If Trump can work through this, why can't he do something about gun violence? A bystander got hurt, but all they care about is praising the cops. Hypocrisy at its finest.
As an Indian, I follow US news closely because our security also mirrors yours sometimes. But why is no one asking why a person with a gun could get so close to the White House in the first place? America needs stricter gun control, not more platitudes. 🙏
Tragic incident. But I'm more concerned about the bystander who got caught in the crossfire. Hope they recover. And the president just goes on working? That's what leaders should do. Salute to the security forces. In India too, our CISF and NSG are always alert. 🇮🇳
I'm from the US and I'm so tired of this. Another shooting, another dead suspect, and the same old "thoughts and prayers". Mike Johnson praising the Secret Service is like putting a Band-Aid on a broken leg. When will we address mental health and gun laws? It's exhausting.
Reading this in India, I'm just amazed at how casually firearms are part of American life. Here, even getting a license is a headache. But I'm not complaining—look at the chaos there. Secret Service did well, no doubt. But the real question: why did this person have a gun? 😕
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.