In the early hours of Sunday, March 9, 2025, a security incident unfolded near the White House, resulting in U.S. Secret Service agents shooting an armed individual. The confrontation occurred around midnight at the intersection of 17th and F Streets NW, approximately one block from the White House complex.
Incident Details
The Secret Service received information from local law enforcement about a potentially suicidal individual traveling from Indiana to Washington, D.C. Agents located the suspect’s vehicle near the specified intersection and identified a person matching the provided description in the vicinity. As agents approached, the individual brandished a firearm, prompting an armed confrontation during which Secret Service personnel discharged their weapons. The suspect was subsequently transported to a local hospital, with his current condition undisclosed.
Presidential Whereabouts
At the time of the incident, President Donald Trump was at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida, and there was no immediate threat to his safety.
Ongoing Investigation
The Metropolitan Police Department’s Internal Affairs Division has assumed responsibility for investigating the shooting, as it involved law enforcement officers. Further details, including the suspect’s identity and motive, remain under investigation.
Historical Context of White House Security Incidents
This event adds to a series of security incidents near the White House over the years:
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May 20, 2016: Jesse Olivieri was shot by Secret Service agents after approaching a White House security checkpoint with a firearm.
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February 8, 2001: Robert W. Pickett fired shots outside the White House fence and was subsequently shot in the knee and arrested by Secret Service agents.
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October 29, 1994: Francisco Martin Duran fired 29 rounds at the White House before being tackled and arrested.
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July 25, 1976: Chester Plummer was shot and killed by a Secret Service officer after scaling the White House fence armed with a pipe.
These incidents highlight the ongoing challenges faced by security agencies in protecting national leaders and securing the White House complex.
Conclusion
The recent shooting near the White House underscores the critical role of the U.S. Secret Service and other law enforcement agencies in responding to potential threats. As the investigation continues, authorities aim to determine the suspect’s motives and any underlying factors contributing to the incident.
