Washington DC, May 24 (Udaipur Kiran) – Panic spread near the White House on Sunday after gunfire was heard outside the premises while US President Donald Trump was reportedly inside during high-level discussions related to Iran.
Following the incident, heavy security alert was declared across the area. Police, Secret Service and Federal Bureau of Investigation officials rushed to the spot in large numbers. Reports said Trump was inside the White House at the time and was engaged in discussions regarding a major international agreement involving Iran.
Eyewitnesses said panic broke out inside the White House complex after several loud gunshot-like sounds were heard. Security agencies immediately sealed the area and shifted media personnel and others present there to safe locations.
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed the firing incident through a social media post. He said FBI teams were present at the scene and assisting the Secret Service. He also stated that the investigation was ongoing and further information would be shared as it becomes available.
According to ABC News, the suspected attacker involved in the firing near the White House was shot dead by United States Secret Service personnel during retaliatory action.
ABC News reported that Secret Service officials said an armed man opened fire near a White House checkpoint and was later neutralised by officers. Authorities also confirmed that a passerby sustained a gunshot injury, although it was not immediately clear how the person was hit.
Shortly before the incident, President Donald Trump had issued a long statement on social media saying he was holding important discussions related to Iran in the Oval Office with leaders of several Muslim-majority nations. According to Trump, talks with leaders from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Pakistan, Turkiye, Egypt, Jordan and Bahrain were highly positive.
Trump claimed that a comprehensive agreement between the United States and Iran was close to finalisation and could soon be formally announced. He also said discussions were underway regarding reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Trump further described his talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as highly successful.
Journalists present at the White House described scenes of chaos after the firing. ABC News journalist Selina Wang wrote on social media platform X that she was recording from the North Lawn when she suddenly heard “dozens of gunshot-like sounds.”
She said security officials immediately instructed all media personnel to run towards the press briefing room. Security around the White House has since been tightened, while agencies continue to investigate the matter.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.