Gunshots heard near White House – media

Reporters were told to shelter in the press briefing room after hearing what sounded like “dozens” of shots

Multiple gunshots were heard near the White House on Saturday evening, prompting reporters at the complex to shelter in the press briefing room, according to media reports and footage posted from the scene.

CNN reported that shots were heard in the White House area. ABC News correspondent Selina Wang wrote on X that she was recording a social media video on the White House North Lawn when the shots rang out, and later posted footage from the scene.

“It sounded like dozens of gunshots,” Wang wrote. “We were told to sprint to the press briefing room where we are holding now.”

I was in the middle of taping on my iPhone for a social video from the White House North Lawn when we heard the shots. It sounded like dozens of gunshots. We were told to sprint to the press briefing room where we are holding now. pic.twitter.com/iqdQwh4soq

— Selina Wang (@selinawangtv) May 23, 2026

Details of the incident remain unclear. There was no immediate official confirmation of casualties, arrests, or whether the reported gunfire posed any threat to the White House complex.

The incident comes amid heightened security concerns around the White House. Earlier this month, the Secret Service said a man was shot by law enforcement near the Washington Monument after opening fire on officers, briefly prompting heightened security in the area.

DETAILS TO FOLLOW