White House lockdown after shooting near Washington Monument

White House lockdown followed a shooting near Washington Monument as Secret Service officers engaged an armed suspect; one juvenile injured

Washington, D.C.: The White House was briefly placed under lockdown on Monday afternoon after a gunman opened fire near the Washington Monument, triggering a swift response from the United States Secret Service. Officials said the suspect was shot during the exchange and taken to hospital, while a juvenile sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

Shooting near monument

The incident unfolded around 3:30 p.m. local time at the intersection of 15th Street SW and Independence Avenue SW, a high-security zone not far from key federal buildings. According to initial reports, plainclothes officers monitoring the outer security perimeter noticed a man believed to be carrying a firearm.

When uniformed personnel approached him, the suspect reportedly attempted to flee before opening fire. Officers returned fire almost immediately, striking the individual. Authorities have not yet disclosed the suspect’s identity.

Lockdown and movement

Within minutes of the gunfire, security protocols were activated across the White House complex. Movement was restricted, and access points were sealed as a precaution. Around 3:45 p.m., Secret Service personnel escorted members of the press from the North Lawn into the briefing room.

Officials confirmed that the lockdown was temporary and lifted after the immediate threat was neutralised.

Injuries reported

During the exchange, a juvenile in the vicinity was struck by gunfire allegedly fired by the suspect. Authorities said the injuries were not life-threatening, though the individual was taken for medical evaluation.

No Secret Service personnel were reported injured in the incident.

VP motorcade timing

The shooting occurred shortly after a motorcade carrying Vice President JD Vance had passed through the area. While officials acknowledged the timing, they said there is no immediate evidence linking the suspect’s actions to the Vice President’s movement.

Security officials are examining whether the suspect had any specific target or was acting independently.

Investigation underway

Deputy Director Matthew C. Quinn of the Secret Service, speaking at a late afternoon briefing, said the agency is working with local law enforcement to piece together the sequence of events.

“We’re patrolling this area 24/7,” Quinn said, noting that it remains unclear whether the White House or its occupants were the intended target. Roads around the area were closed for several hours as forensic teams combed the scene.

The Metropolitan Police Department of Washington, D.C., has also joined the investigation.

Earlier dinner shooting

The incident came hours after another security scare in the capital. Earlier, gunfire was reported during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner attended by senior officials, including US President Donald Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, and Vice President Vance.

Authorities later identified the accused in that case as 31-year-old Cole Thomas Allen. He has been charged with attempting to assassinate the President, along with multiple federal offences including weapons violations and assault on federal officers.

Security concerns rise

Monday’s developments have raised fresh concerns over security in central Washington, particularly in zones that see heavy tourist and official movement. While the White House lockdown was brief, the proximity of the shooting to one of the most secure locations in the country has drawn attention.

Officials said there would be a review of security protocols, even as they maintained that the response was swift and effective.

Further updates are expected as the investigation into the White House lockdown incident continues.