Dozens of gunshots abruptly rang out from the vicinity of the U.S. White House on Saturday, May 23rd, U.S. time, corresponding to Sunday, May 24th, WIB. The sounds of gunfire were believed to have originated from the intersection of 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest, an area just outside the secure White House complex.
As reported by CNN, the U.S. Secret Service swiftly mobilized in response to the alarming sound of the gunshots. Agents immediately launched an investigation into the reports of a shooting incident occurring directly outside the heavily fortified presidential residence.
The piercing sounds of the gunfire were also distinctly heard by journalists stationed within the White House complex. Members of the press corps, who were on the North Lawn at the time, were quickly ushered into the White House press briefing room. Inside the building, reporters received urgent commands to take cover and shelter in place as Secret Service agents shouted for them to crouch down, issuing dire warnings about the continuing gunshots.
One particular reporter conveyed that the sounds appeared to emanate from the side of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, which is an integral part of the broader White House complex, further pinpointing the perceived location of the unfolding event.
Following the harrowing incident, heavily armed Secret Service agents, carrying rifles, were observed moving purposefully across the North Lawn area. They subsequently established a blockade around the White House press briefing room. The comprehensive lockdown that ensued was eventually lifted shortly after 6:45 PM ET, signaling a return to a more stable situation.
At the time of the reported incident, President Donald Trump was confirmed to be present within the White House residence. CNN promptly reached out to the White House for an official statement or commentary regarding the events.
Adding to the firsthand accounts, Selina Wang, the Chief White House Correspondent for ABC News, shared a compelling video on X (formerly Twitter). The footage captured the very moment the gunshots were heard, showing her immediate reaction as she sought cover.
“I was filming a video for social media on the North Lawn of the White House using my iPhone when we heard gunshots. It sounded like dozens of shots. We were ordered to run into the press briefing room where we are now,” she detailed in her post, providing a vivid and immediate glimpse into the terrifying experience.
Summary
Dozens of gunshots were heard near the U.S. White House on Saturday, May 23rd, believed to originate from the intersection of 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest. The U.S. Secret Service swiftly mobilized and launched an investigation into the shooting incident outside the presidential residence. Journalists stationed within the White House complex were ushered into the press briefing room and ordered to take cover as agents issued warnings about the ongoing gunfire.
Following the harrowing incident, heavily armed Secret Service agents established a blockade around the press briefing room, and a comprehensive lockdown was implemented. President Donald Trump was confirmed to be present within the White House residence at the time. The lockdown was eventually lifted shortly after 6:45 PM ET, signaling a return to a more stable situation.