More than 20 gunshots reportedly rang out near the White House on Saturday evening, triggering panic among journalists and security personnel as dramatic scenes unfolded outside one of the most heavily protected buildings in the world.
According to reports from the scene, the gunfire erupted near the side of the White House facing 17th Street, sending reporters scrambling for cover while Secret Service agents armed with rifles rushed onto the North Lawn.
Terrifying footage quickly began spreading online, showing confusion and fear as members of the press were ordered to take shelter immediately.
“I was in the middle of filming from the North Lawn of the White House when we heard gunshots,” ABC News White House correspondent Selena Wang posted on social media.
“We heard dozens of shots. We were told to run to the press briefing room, where we are now.”
In one chilling video clip, voices can reportedly be heard yelling:
“Down! Down!”
as journalists ducked for safety.
The White House was soon placed under lockdown while security personnel moved staff members and reporters to secure locations inside the complex.
According to reports, only a small number of journalists remained outside at the time of the incident because most press crews had already dispersed roughly an hour earlier.
Footage from the scene appeared to show heavily armed Secret Service agents securing the area while confusion spread across the White House grounds.
At the time of the incident, President Donald Trump was reportedly inside the White House rather than spending the weekend at his Florida residence.
Earlier in the day, Trump had reportedly been meeting with Middle East officials and discussing the escalating Iran situation from the Oval Office.
Authorities have not yet publicly confirmed details about the source of the gunfire or whether there were injuries connected to the incident.
The sudden eruption of violence near the White House immediately fueled intense speculation online, especially amid already heightened tensions surrounding national security and growing fears of escalation connected to the ongoing Iran conflict.
Social media quickly filled with videos, eyewitness accounts, and unverified claims as users attempted to piece together exactly what had happened.
The Secret Service and law enforcement agencies are expected to provide additional information as the investigation develops.