Secret Service Shoots Armed Suspect Near Washington Monument in D.C. Incident

A person was shot by US Secret Service officers near the Washington Monument after an officer-involved shooting in Washington, D.C. Authorities say the suspect allegedly opened fire when confronted, prompting officers to return fire. A bystander was also injured and taken to hospital. The area near the White House was briefly locked down, but officials said there is no indication that top government officials were targeted. Investigations are ongoing.

An individual was shot by US Secret Service personnel near the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C., on Monday after an officer-involved shooting incident, according to the US Secret Service. The confrontation took place around 15th Street and Independence Avenue, a high-security area close to major government landmarks, including the White House and National Mall.
In a statement posted on social media, the Secret Service confirmed that its personnel were responding to a situation when the shooting occurred, adding that one individual had been shot by law enforcement officers. Officials later explained that the suspect allegedly opened fire after being confronted by police, prompting officers to return fire.
Secret Service Deputy Director Matt Quinn said the exchange began when officers engaged the suspect, who then fired a weapon, leading to the armed response. Authorities have not released further details about the identity of the individual or the circumstances leading up to the confrontation, as investigations are ongoing.
During the incident, a bystander was also struck by gunfire. Emergency services transported an adult male to hospital, while another person, reportedly a teenager, was treated for minor injuries. Officials have not yet provided a full update on the condition of those injured, but medical teams were seen responding quickly at the scene.
The shooting prompted a security response in the surrounding area, including a brief lockdown near the White House as a precaution. At the time, US President Donald Trump was reportedly attending a small business meeting inside the White House complex. Authorities have stated there is no indication that the president or other high-level officials were the intended target of the incident.
Vice President JD Vance had also passed through the area in a motorcade shortly before the shooting occurred. However, security officials have said there is no evidence suggesting any connection between his movement and the incident.
Law enforcement agencies secured the area around the Washington Monument and began a full investigation into the shooting, including reviewing body camera footage, witness accounts, and surveillance from nearby locations. The Secret Service is leading the inquiry due to its jurisdiction over incidents involving protected federal zones and personnel.
The incident comes amid heightened security awareness in Washington, D.C., following a recent attempted security breach at a White House-related event just over a week earlier, in which a gunman tried to storm a gathering and injured a Secret Service officer. That earlier incident had already raised concerns about safety around high-profile government sites.
Authorities say further updates will be provided as the investigation continues, including clarification of the suspect’s identity, motive, and the full sequence of events that led to the exchange of gunfire.