Panic erupted outside the White House on Saturday evening after gunshots were heard near the presidential complex, forcing journalists on the North Lawn to duck for cover and run inside the press briefing room as Secret Service agents launched an emergency response.

Several reporters filming live updates captured the chaotic moments on camera as shots rang out near the White House perimeter. Videos from the scene showed journalists abruptly dropping to the ground while armed officers rushed to secure the area.

ABC News correspondent Selina Wang said she was recording a social media update about US President Donald Trump when the gunfire began. She described hearing “dozens of gunshots” before security personnel instructed reporters to sprint toward safety.

In the partially recorded clip, Wang can be seen discussing Trump’s remarks on a possible Iran deal moments before the sound of rapid gunfire interrupts the broadcast, triggering panic among media crews stationed outside.

Other journalists at the scene described confusion as reporters abandoned cameras and equipment while rushing indoors during the brief White House lockdown.

White House staff quickly escorted members of the press into the briefing room as heavily armed Secret Service officers sealed off parts of the complex and restricted movement around the area.

Officials confirmed that Trump was inside the White House at the time of the incident but was not harmed.

According to CNN, at least two people were injured after Secret Service agents exchanged fire with an armed suspect near the perimeter of the presidential complex.

Investigators said the suspect opened fire first, prompting agents to return fire.

The gunman was later taken to hospital, where he was declared dead. The Secret Service said a bystander was also injured during the exchange, though no officers were hurt.

Who was the suspect in the White House shooting incident?

According to reports, the suspect is identified as a 21-year-old Nasire Best. US media reports said he was previously known to the Secret Service and had a documented history of mental health concerns.

Officials said between 10 and 20 shots were fired during the incident, which remains under investigation.

Sources cited by US media said Best had earlier been arrested in July 2025 after allegedly attempting to gain access to White House grounds. He was later referred for psychiatric evaluation, according to the reports.