Large police presence around White House after reports of shots fired
A significant police presence was reported around the White House following gunfire in the vicinity on May 23, 2026. President Donald Trump was present at the time, engaged in negotiations with Iran. The FBI and Secret Service responded to the incident, while journalists and bystanders described the sounds of gunfire and the ensuing chaos.
- ▪Shots were fired near the White House, prompting a lockdown and a heavy police response.
- ▪President Trump was inside the White House during the incident, working on negotiations with Iran.
- ▪Witnesses reported hearing what sounded like 20 to 25 gunshots, leading to panic in the area.
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Secret Service agents are seen after a lockdown was lifted at the White House, May 23, 2026. BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI / AFP Police and security forces swarmed the White House on the evening of Saturday, May 23, after shots were fired in the area, authorities said. US President Donald Trump was at the White House at the time as he worked to negotiate a deal with Iran. Police cordoned off access to the White House and National Guard troops blocked an Agence France-Presse (AFP) reporter from entering the area in downtown Washington. "FBI is on the scene and supporting Secret Service responding to shots fired near White House grounds," said FBI Director Kash Patel on X.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Le Monde (EN).
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