Gunshots erupted near the White House, forcing reporters covering events on the South Lawn to seek immediate cover on 23/5. An AFP video captured the moment a reporter paused work, quickly dismantled equipment, and sought shelter upon identifying the sounds as gunfire. US secret service agents, carrying rifles, then appeared, instructing press corps members to move quickly. Reporters were evacuated to the White House press briefing room and told to remain in place. The NBC News team at the White House reported hearing 20-30 gunshots.

Gunshots rang out as reporters worked on the lawn outside the White House on 23/5. Video: AFP

The incident led to a brief White House lockdown, which was lifted at 18h45 on 23/5 (5h45 today Hanoi time). According to a law enforcement official, a shootout between the suspect and secret service agents left two individuals shot. The suspect, transported to a hospital in critical condition, later died. The other person shot was a bystander, and no secret service agents sustained injuries.

Gunshots heard as an ABC News reporter filmed within the White House complex on the evening of 23/5. Video: X/Selina Wang

The unidentified man reportedly approached a checkpoint near 17th Street and northwest Pennsylvania Avenue around 18h. He then drew a weapon from his bag and began firing at officers on duty. An official stated, "The suspect was identified as having mental health issues and had previously been subject to a restraining order." The bystander's condition remains unclear, and US officials have not specified whether the individual was injured during the suspect's initial gunfire or the subsequent shootout.

Police vehicles and US secret service agents near the White House after the shooting. *AFP*

This shooting occurred less than a month after a similar security breach during the annual White House Correspondents' Association dinner. During that event, reporters and officials from President Donald Trump's administration sought cover when suspect Cole Tomas Allen breached a security checkpoint and engaged in a shootout with pursuing secret service agents. Allen was indicted but denied charges of attempting to assassinate President Trump and other offenses.

By Huyen Le (According to AFP, NBC News, CNN)