Secret Service Officers Exchange Gunfire with Armed Suspect Near Washington Monument; Juvenile Bystander Injured
A suspect opened fire near the Washington Monument after being confronted by Secret Service officers, leading to an exchange of gunfire that injured both the suspect and a juvenile bystander.
On Monday afternoon, a shooting occurred near the Washington Monument when a suspect opened fire after being confronted by Secret Service officers. The incident took place around 3:30 p.m. at the intersection of 15th Street and Independence Avenue.
According to Secret Service Deputy Director Matt Quinn, plainclothes agents observed a man near the White House complex who appeared to be carrying a firearm. Upon the arrival of uniformed officers, the suspect attempted to flee and fired at the officers, who then returned fire, striking the suspect.
A juvenile bystander was also injured during the exchange. Quinn stated that the bystander was likely struck by the suspect's gunfire. Both the suspect and the bystander were transported to local hospitals; the bystander's injuries are reported to be non-life-threatening.
The area was temporarily closed off as emergency crews responded. The White House was briefly locked down during the investigation, but President Donald Trump, who was holding a small business event inside, was not aware of the incident at the time.
Vice President JD Vance's motorcade had passed through the area shortly before the shooting; however, there is no indication that it was targeted.
The Metropolitan Police Department is leading the investigation into the incident.