Shooting Near White House Halts Talks After Trump Iran Claim

A gunman fired shots near a security checkpoint at 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW shortly after 6 p.m. ET on Saturday. Secret Service agents returned fire, struck the suspect and took him into custody. A bystander was treated for injuries at the scene.

The White House North Lawn was evacuated and journalists were moved into the press briefing room while agents secured the area. The lockdown lasted less than an hour, and the FBI is assisting the Secret Service with the investigation. Journalists at the scene reported hearing between 15 and 30 shots. Authorities said the suspect had been subject to a stay-away order linked to the White House area; no motive has been released.

The shooting occurred hours after President Donald Trump announced that a framework agreement with Iran was “largely negotiated” and that reopening the Strait of Hormuz was part of the discussions. Diplomats from Pakistan and several Gulf states have been helping mediate the talks. U.S. officials involved in the negotiations say remaining issues include the scope of sanctions relief, the terms of Iran’s nuclear limits and long-term enforcement mechanisms.

Markets reacted earlier in the day to Mr. Trump’s comments: Bitcoin rose from levels it hit during the week and several smaller cryptocurrencies rallied. The shooting outside the presidential complex later introduced a new element of uncertainty into the political environment.

Security officials noted the incident follows recent armed confrontations near the White House and other public events. In April 2026, shots were fired near the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, and agents were involved in another armed incident near the National Mall earlier this month. Those events prompted internal reviews of protective procedures and tighter controls around presidential events.

Investigators continue to collect evidence, interview witnesses and review security footage from the area. No additional identifying information about the suspect, details of the stay-away order or official motive has been released. Authorities said they will provide updates as the inquiry proceeds.