Trump Says White House Gunman Had ‘Violent History’ and ‘Possible Obsession’ With Building

US President Donald Trump said on Sunday that the gunman involved in a shooting near the White House had a “violent history and possible obsession” with the presidential complex, while praising law enforcement for their response.

“Thank you to our great Secret Service and Law Enforcement for the swift and professional action taken this evening against a gunman near the White House, who had a violent history and possible obsession with our Country’s most cherished structure,” Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social.

The incident unfolded on Saturday evening near the White House security perimeter, where authorities said a man pulled a firearm from his bag and opened fire. Agents with the US Secret Service returned fire, fatally shooting the suspect during the exchange.

According to officials, one bystander was also struck during the shooting and taken for medical attention, though authorities did not immediately release details on the person’s condition. No Secret Service personnel were injured.

Trump was inside the White House at the time and was not affected by the incident, according to Secret Service communications chief Anthony Guglielmi.

The area around the White House was quickly locked down as police and security personnel flooded the scene. Witnesses described hearing multiple loud shots before people began running for cover.

Journalists on the White House grounds said they were instructed to seek immediate shelter, while television reporters near the scene described the sound of sustained gunfire.

The latest incident comes as Trump continues to face heightened security concerns after multiple alleged assassination attempts in recent years. His campaign rally in Butler in 2024 saw a gunman open fire, killing a spectator and injuring Trump. Authorities have also previously arrested armed individuals near locations he was visiting.

Following Saturday’s shooting, several Republican lawmakers expressed support for the Secret Service response and renewed calls to curb political violence in the United States.