Secret Service Involved in Two Major Security Incidents Near White House
WASHINGTON, D.C. — A juvenile bystander was injured in a Secret Service officer-involved shooting near the White House on Sunday, prompting a brief lockdown of the presidential residence.
The incident occurred at the intersection of 15th Street and Independence Avenue. According to officials, Secret Service personnel confronted an armed individual, leading to a confrontation. The suspect fired at officers, and agents returned fire. A juvenile, identified only by age as a minor, was struck by gunfire and transported to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
The White House was placed on temporary lockdown immediately following the shooting. Secret Service Deputy Director Mathew C. Quinn confirmed the incident took place just minutes after Vice President JD Vance had left the area. “The incident resulted from a confrontation between an armed individual and Secret Service Police,” the agency stated.
This event comes just over a week after another alarming security breach at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.
On April 25, 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen of Torrance, California, allegedly attempted to storm the Washington Hilton while armed with multiple weapons, including a shotgun and handgun. President Donald Trump was attending the event at the time, surrounded by Cabinet officials and members of the press.
Allen exchanged gunfire with law enforcement, wounding a Secret Service officer. He was arrested and made his initial court appearance last week, where prosecutors formally charged him. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jocelyn Ballantine told the court, “He attempted to assassinate the president of the United States, Donald J. Trump,” and requested preventative detention.
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro stated, “Cole Allen’s journey of accountability in the criminal justice system starts today,” adding that additional charges are expected as the investigation continues. “This is the kind of situation that we cannot tolerate.”
Both incidents have raised fresh concerns about security protocols in the nation’s capital during high-profile gatherings. Investigations remain ongoing.
