1 shot by law enforcement near White House, nearby DC roads closed

An officer reportedly wounded one person on May 4, 2026, blocks from the White House.(Courtesy 7News)

A person was shot by law enforcement near the Washington Monument, Monday afternoon in D.C., according to multiple law enforcement agencies.

The shooting happened at 15th Street and Independence Avenue in D.C., near the Sidney R. Yates building where the Forest Service is headquartered, according to the U.S. Secret Service.

The White House was briefly put under a lockdown as law enforcement investigated; D.C. police said the scene is “secure” in a social media post.

The Secret Service, which is on the scene, has asked people to avoid the area.

WTOP Traffic reports several roadways nearby the Washington Monument have been closed by police, including a portion of Independence Avenue SW from 14th Street to Maine Avenue SW.

Police said 15th Street is also closed from Constitution Avenue NW to Maine Avenue SW.

D.C. police said to expect the closures to last for several hours. The exact closure points could change, police asked drivers to follow directions from law enforcement.

Few details on the shooting were immediately available, including what led up to the gunfire and the extent of the wounded person’s injuries, according to the U.S. Secret Service.

WTOP has a reporter headed to the scene.

This is a developing story. Stay with WTOP for the latest.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Jessica Kronzer

Jessica Kronzer graduated from James Madison University in May 2021 after studying media and politics. She enjoys covering politics, advocacy and compelling human-interest stories.

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