May 23 (local time) dozens of gunshots were heard outside the White House. 2026.05.23. Photo=Reuters

Around 6 p.m. on May 23 (local time), dozens of gunshots were heard consecutively near the White House, leading to a full lockdown of the entire complex and an emergency evacuation of journalists.

Reporters from various news organizations (ABC, CBS, FOX, etc.) stationed at the White House reported hearing 20 to 30 consecutive gunshots firsthand at the scene.

The gunshots are believed to have started outside the Eisenhower Executive Office Building (EEOB) within the White House complex, near the intersection of 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW.

As soon as the shots rang out, Secret Service agents shouted "Get down" to the press corps on the North Lawn and urgently evacuated everyone into the White House press briefing room.

This occurred shortly after President Donald Trump announced via Truth Social that peace talks with Iran had entered their final stages, and journalists were awaiting the announcement of the peace agreement.

Tactical teams and snipers armed with rifles were deployed on the White House roof and throughout the grounds, and surrounding roads were completely blocked off.

Currently, not only the Secret Service but also the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Park Police, Washington D.C. Police, and military units have been dispatched to the scene and are responding together.

According to a White House spokesperson, President Donald Trump was confirmed to have been in the Oval Office during the incident, but there have been no reports of any breach of the White House interior or injuries to personnel on the grounds so far.

FBI Director Kash Patel stated that the FBI is supporting the Secret Service's shooting investigation at the scene and will provide further updates as information is confirmed.

According to Fox News, the shooter approached the main entrance of the White House near the west entrance, drew a handgun, and fired three shots toward the White House.

The Secret Service returned fire, and the shooter was apprehended before entering the perimeter.

A bystander on the street was reportedly shot.

U.S. NNP= Chief Reporter Sung Ku Hong / Special Contribution NNP info@newsandpost.com