An armed individual opened fire near Vice President JD Vance’s motorcade in Washington, D.C., prompting Secret Service to return fire and take the shooter into custody.
The incident occurred at 15th Street and Independence Avenue, just minutes after Vance had left the area, according to Secret Service Deputy Director Mathew C. Quinn. The White House was briefly placed on lockdown following the shooting.
A juvenile victim was transported to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, authorities said. No law enforcement officers were wounded in the exchange.
What Happened
“The incident resulted from a confrontation between an armed individual and Secret Service Police,” a Secret Service statement said. The armed suspect opened fire on Secret Service personnel, who returned fire and subdued the shooter at the scene.
🚨 BREAKING: An armed man opened fire in the vicinity of JD Vance’s motorcade near the White House, per USSS
The man opened fire on Secret Service, USSS returned fire, taking the shooter down.
NO law enforcement officers were injured
Pray not only for 47, but ALSO VP Vance🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/hKzTKpjjaG
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) May 4, 2026
The shooting unfolded as the vice president’s detail was moving through the nation’s capital. Secret Service personnel secured the area following the exchange of gunfire.
Recent Security Concerns
The incident comes just over a week after authorities charged Cole Tomas Allen, 31, of Torrance, California, with attempting to breach the White House Correspondents’ Dinner where President Trump was attending Saturday night. Allen entered the Washington Hilton armed with multiple weapons while attempting to reach the ballroom.
“He attempted to assassinate the president of the United States, Donald J. Trump,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Jocelyn Ballantine told the court during Allen’s appearance. Prosecutors requested preventative detention for Allen as the investigation continues.
This story has been updated. CNN’s Washington Bureau contributed to this report.
