Administration

Shots fired near National Mall; press escorted off North Lawn

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by Ashleigh Fields - 05/04/26 4:41 PM ET

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by Ashleigh Fields - 05/04/26 4:41 PM ET

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A bystander was shot after an altercation involving the Secret Service Monday near the National Mall, an incident that sparked worries at the White House and led the press to be evacuated from the North Lawn.

The shooting took place at 15th Street and Independence Avenue adjacent to the Washington Monument at approximately 3:30 p.m. ET, authorities said.

A man described by the Secret Service as “a suspicous individual” was also shot by the Secret Service during the incident.

“This afternoon our plain clothes officers and agents that consistently patrol the outer perimeter of the White House complex identified a suspicious individual that appeared to have a firearm. They called in support from our marked uniform Secret Service police to make contact with that individual,” Secret Service Deputy Director Matthew Quinn told reporters.

“Upon making contact that individual fled briefly on foot, withdrew a firearm and fired in the direction of our agents and officers. One individual was hit. He’s since been transported to the hospital,” the deputy director added.

The Secret Service returned fire when the individual fired their weapon. That individual was hit and has also been taken to the hospital.

Quinn said the agency has not determined a motive for the alleged gunman.

He said the bystander hit by fire was a juvenile and did not receive life-threatening injuries.

“I can tell you that at least one, we believe only one bystander was hit by the suspect,” Quinn said.

“That individual, it’s a juvenile, did not sustain any life-threatening injuries, but he’s also receiving treatment at the hospital,” he added.

A weapon was recovered from the scene.

The White House referred The Hill to the Secret Service when asked for a comment.

It’s not clear if the shooting had anything to do with the White House or President Trump, and it took place a fair distance from the White House grounds.

The Washington Monument is south of the White House, a little more than a mile away. Independence Avenue and 15th Street SW is just a few blocks beyond that.

Press was immediately escorted off the North Lawn following the gunfire and sheltered in the briefing room until reporters were given the all clear.

“MPD [Metropolitan Police Department] is on scene of this investigation at 15th Street and Independence Ave, SW. The scene is secure,” D.C. Police wrote on X.

“Avoid the area as roads will be closed for several hours. Additional updates to come as information is confirmed,” they added.

Tensions are high around the White House after a man armed with a hand gun, a shotgun and several knives ran past security during the White House Correspondents’ Association annual dinner a little more than a week ago.

The man is suspected of seeking to carry out an assassination attempt against Trump.

Trump was at the White House delivering remarks at a Small Business Summit at the time of the reports.

Vice President Vance’s motorcade did transit through the area prior to the shooting, according to the Secret Service.

This story was updated at 5:55 p.m.

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