Secret Service Kills Gunman Near White House Checkpoint, Leaving 1 Bystander Critically Wounded
Updated
Updated · CNN · May 23
Secret Service Kills Gunman Near White House Checkpoint, Leaving 1 Bystander Critically Wounded
8 articles · Updated · CNN · May 23
Shortly before 6 p.m. ET, Secret Service officers shot and killed a person who opened fire at a security checkpoint just outside the White House complex.
One bystander was struck during the exchange and is in critical condition, while no Secret Service personnel were injured and President Donald Trump, inside the residence, was unharmed.
Dozens of apparent gunshots triggered a rapid security response and a roughly 40-minute lockdown, with reporters and staff ordered to shelter in place as armed agents swept the North Lawn.
The FBI said it was supporting the Secret Service response, and investigators have not determined whether the bystander was hit by the suspect's initial fire or return fire.
The shooting came less than a month after another armed breach near the White House, in which a suspect allegedly ran through a checkpoint with a shotgun and was later charged with attempting to assassinate Trump.
What gaps in intelligence allowed a known individual to attack a White House checkpoint?
With security incidents rising, how can public spaces near landmarks be made safer for bystanders?
White House Shooting on May 4, 2026: Michael Marx Incident, Security Failures, and Policy Repercussions
Overview
On May 4, 2026, Michael Marx began shooting at a security checkpoint near the White House, prompting Secret Service agents to immediately return fire. Marx was shot multiple times, transported to a hospital, and later died from his injuries. No law enforcement officials were hurt during the confrontation. The incident, which took place in a busy area with many civilians, led to a rapid law enforcement response and raised concerns about security protocols around federal buildings. The ongoing investigation is focused on understanding Marx's motives and ensuring public safety in high-traffic areas near the nation's capital.