U.S. Secret Service officers fired on an armed man Monday afternoon near the Washington Monument after the suspect fired at agents and injured a juvenile bystander.
Incident Details and Confrontation
According to the U.S. Secret Service, the confrontation began when officers patrolling the outer perimeter of the White House complex noticed a suspicious individual carrying a firearm. During a press conference, USSS Deputy Director Matt Quinn stated that the man fled when uniformed Secret Service police approached him, leading the suspect to fire at the officers. The officers subsequently returned fire, striking and wounding the individual.
Suspect and Casualties
Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Key details regarding the suspect and injuries include:
- Suspect Profile: Preliminary investigations suggest the suspect is a white male, approximately 45 years old, with prior residency in Maryland and Texas.
- Injuries: The suspect was shot in the torso and was reported to be in stable condition at a local hospital. The juvenile bystander struck by the suspect was transported with non-life-threatening injuries, described by a DC Police spokesperson as a "graze wound."
- Personnel Safety: No Secret Service employees were injured during the incident.
Investigation Scope and Context
Law enforcement sources indicated that authorities are investigating whether the gunman may have attempted to access a White House entry point earlier on Monday.
- White House Activity: Shortly before the shooting, Vice President JD Vance’s motorcade passed through the area several blocks south of the White House complex; however, the motorcade was not impacted. A source noted that Vance’s motorcade diverted from its intended destination as a precaution while security assessed the situation.
- Official Statements: In a statement to CNN, Quinn confirmed that President Donald Trump was not in danger and stated there was no known connection between the incident and the White House.
- Press Corps Impact: The Secret Service briefly evacuated the White House press corps from the North Lawn, directing them to the briefing room before allowing them to return about five minutes later.
Recent Security Incidents
This event occurs less than two weeks after another shooting incident in the area. Previously, Cole Tomas Allen, a 31-year-old from California, was accused of firing at the DC hotel hosting the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner. Allen has since been charged with attempting to assassinate Trump.
