The US Secret Service announced that its officers opened fire on an armed person in downtown Washington on Monday, wounding him. The incident occurred near the National Mall, adjacent to the White House and Congress, shortly after Vice President Jay D. Vance's motorcade passed through the area.

Published on: 05/05/2026 - 07:41 Last updated: 05/05/2026 - 08:14

US Secret Service agents opened fire on an armed person in downtown Washington on Monday, officials said, an incident that prompted a temporary lockdown of the White House.

In this context, the agency's deputy director, Matthew Quinn, reported that the shooting occurred near the National Mall park, adjacent to the White House and Congress, and shortly after Vice President Jay D. Vance's convoy passed through the area.

Quinn told reporters that he did not believe the vice president was a target, nor could he speculate whether the incident was related to the recent attempts on the life of President Donald Trump.

The same source also explained: “I will not speculate on this matter,” adding: “I do not know whether the shooting was directed against the president or not, but we will find out.” He noted that the shooting occurred after Secret Service officers spotted a “suspicious person” who appeared to be carrying a firearm.

Quinn also said the man fled on foot after officers approached him, then drew his weapon and opened fire. He continued that the Secret Service members responded by shooting and wounding him, and he was taken to the hospital, and his health condition was not immediately known.

Quinn said one of the bystanders, a minor, suffered minor injuries.

The incident comes about a week after a gunman attempted to storm a hotel in Washington where Trump was attending the White House Correspondents' Association dinner.

France 24/AFP

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