The Secret Service says a suspect opened fire on the National Mall Monday after being confronted by agents; officers returned fire and a bystander was struck. The shooting occurred near 15th Street and Independence Avenue, close to the Washington Monument. Vice President J.D. Vance’s motorcade had passed through the area earlier but was not believed to be the target. The White House was briefly locked down while authorities investigated.
Suspect Opens Fire on National Mall After Confrontation With Secret Service; Bystander Struck
Demonstrators march as they rally at the National Mall during a May Day protest Friday, May 1, 2026, in Washington. The Washington Monument is in the background, (AP Photo/Rahmat Gul)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
The Secret Service says a suspect opened fire Monday afternoon on the National Mall after being confronted by agents, and officers returned fire, according to Deputy Director Matt Quinn.
The shooting occurred near 15th Street and Independence Avenue, close to the Washington Monument. Quinn said a bystander was struck by gunfire from the suspect. Emergency crews responded to the scene and the area was temporarily cordoned off.
The motorcade of Vice President J.D. Vance had passed through the area shortly before the shooting, but Quinn said there was no indication the motorcade was the target.
The incident occurred not far from the White House. Authorities briefly placed the White House on lockdown while investigators and emergency personnel secured the scene; Secret Service agents escorted journalists indoors and President Donald Trump continued his event without interruption.
Vito Maggiolo, a spokesman for D.C. Fire and EMS, said emergency units transported an adult male to the hospital and treated what appeared to be a teenage male for minor injuries. He referred additional questions to the Metropolitan Police Department.
The shooting drew a large law enforcement response and comes just over a week after a separate incident in which a gunman, later identified as Cole Tomas Allen, attempted to storm the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner armed with guns and knives. Allen has been charged in that case, in which a Secret Service officer was wounded.
Authorities said the investigation is ongoing and asked the public to avoid the area while responders continue their work.
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