At 1:47 PM local time on July 14, 2024, a series of gunshots were reported near the White House, prompting an immediate lockdown of the executive mansion and its surrounding perimeter. According to the Secret Service and the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), the incident occurred as former President Donald Trump—who had been meeting with senior advisers in the Oval Office—was inside the building. Within minutes, the area was cordoned off by law enforcement, with National Guard troops deployed to restrict access, including to journalists covering the event.
The White House press office confirmed the lockdown in a statement issued at 1:52 PM, stating that “all personnel are secure and the situation is being handled with the highest level of urgency.” The Secret Service, which oversees presidential protection, declined to provide further details, citing ongoing investigations. However, sources close to the situation told world-today-news.com that the gunfire appeared to originate from a vehicle near the north lawn of the White House, an area typically used by visitors and staff.
Trump, who has been a frequent target of political rhetoric and protests since leaving office, was reportedly unharmed and remained inside the White House during the lockdown. His campaign spokesperson, Jason Miller, issued a statement shortly after the incident, saying, “The former president is safe and secure. We are monitoring the situation closely and will provide updates as more information becomes available.” The statement did not address whether Trump was aware of the gunfire at the time.
Law enforcement sources indicated that the lockdown lasted approximately 45 minutes before being lifted, though the Secret Service maintained heightened security measures in the area. The FBI, which has jurisdiction over such incidents, confirmed it was assisting in the investigation but did not disclose whether any arrests had been made. The Metropolitan Police Department, which manages security around the White House, stated that “all necessary precautions are being taken to ensure the safety of the president and the public.”
In the hours following the incident, White House officials declined to comment on whether the lockdown had disrupted any scheduled meetings or events. Trump had been in Washington for a series of campaign-related engagements, including a fundraiser in Maryland earlier that day. His presence at the White House was part of a broader push to solidify support ahead of the November election, though the incident has introduced an element of unpredictability into his public appearances.
The deployment of National Guard troops to restrict media access drew criticism from press freedom advocates, who argued that such measures could hinder public transparency. The White House press secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre, acknowledged the restrictions in a brief statement, saying, “Security protocols are being followed to ensure the safety of all involved,” without addressing the broader implications for press access.
As of 6:30 PM, the FBI and the Secret Service had not released any further details about the nature of the gunfire, the number of shots fired, or whether the incident was being treated as an attempted assassination or a random act of violence. The White House has not announced whether Trump will resume public appearances in the near future, though his campaign has not canceled any scheduled events.
