Secret Service Shoots and Wounds Armed Man Near Washington Monument

Summary: U.S. Secret Service agents exchanged gunfire with and wounded an armed suspect near the Washington Monument on Sunday evening. The incident occurred within the high-security perimeter surrounding the White House, with no further casualties reported.

The Incident

According to The New York Times and CNN, U.S. Secret Service agents engaged in a gunfire exchange with an armed suspect near the Washington Monument on the evening of May 4, 2026. The Secret Service confirmed that the suspect was wounded and is currently receiving medical treatment.

PBS reported, citing a Secret Service statement, that the man opened fire on agents first, prompting them to return fire. Following the exchange, the area was quickly locked down and nearby visitors and residents were evacuated.

Security Context

The Washington Monument sits at the heart of the National Mall, approximately one mile from the White House, and falls within one of the highest-security zones in the federal government. The Secret Service is responsible for protecting the president, vice president, their families, and key facilities including the White House and the vice president’s residence.

The incident has renewed concerns about security in the nation’s capital. Washington, D.C., has seen a series of security-related events in recent months, and law enforcement agencies have been steadily ramping up protections around key landmarks.

Investigation Underway

The FBI and the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia have joined the investigation. The Secret Service stated that the suspect’s motive remains unclear, and investigators are reviewing his background information. According to WTOP, a bystander may have been injured in the exchange.

Official Response

The Secret Service issued a brief statement following the incident, confirming the shooting and stating that the situation was under control. A White House spokesperson has not yet commented on the matter.

Source: The New York Times, CNN, PBS