Trump Reacts: Shots Fired Near White House – Onet News
- Early Monday morning, shots were fired near the White House, prompting a security lockdown and a swift response from law enforcement.former President Donald Trump reacted sharply to the...
- Around 3:00 AM EDT on monday, May 13, 2024, authorities responded to reports of gunfire near the White House along Pennsylvania Avenue NW.
- The Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia is leading the investigation,with support from the Secret Service.
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Shots Fired Near White House: Trump’s Reaction and What We Know
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Early Monday morning, shots were fired near the White House, prompting a security lockdown and a swift response from law enforcement.former President Donald Trump reacted sharply to the incident, while investigations are underway to determine the shooter’s motives and the full extent of the situation.
What Happened?
Around 3:00 AM EDT on monday, May 13, 2024, authorities responded to reports of gunfire near the White House along Pennsylvania Avenue NW. Initial reports indicate an individual discharged a firearm in the vicinity of Lafayette Square. The Secret Service quickly initiated a lockdown, and the area was secured.The suspect was taken into custody without further incident.
The Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia is leading the investigation,with support from the Secret Service. Authorities are currently working to determine the suspect’s identity, motive, and any potential connections to broader security threats. No injuries were reported.
Donald Trump’s Response
Former president Donald Trump reacted to the incident via his social media platform,Truth Social,criticizing the current administration’s security measures. He stated, “This would NEVER have happened under my leadership. Our security was the strongest in history, and we were respected all over the world!”
This statement echoes his frequent claims regarding security during his presidency.
Trump’s comments have drawn criticism from some, who argue they are politically motivated and insensitive given the potential seriousness of the situation.Others see it as consistent with his established pattern of responding to security incidents with strong rhetoric. The timing of the incident, occurring during a period of heightened political tension, adds another layer to the response.
Security Concerns and White House Protocol
The incident has reignited discussions about security protocols surrounding the White House. Lafayette Square,directly north of the White House,is a frequent site for protests and demonstrations,presenting ongoing security challenges. the Secret Service employs a multi-layered security approach, including physical barriers, surveillance technology, and uniformed officers.
In recent years, there have been several security breaches and incidents near the White House, prompting reviews of security procedures. In 2023, a man attempted to scale the White house fence, and in 2014, an individual breached security and entered the East Room. These incidents highlight the difficulty of maintaining a entirely secure perimeter around the presidential residence.
| Year | Incident | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | East Room Breach | an individual bypassed security and entered the East Room of the White House. |
| 2017 | fence Jumping | A man jumped the White house fence and was apprehended by Secret Service. |
| 2023 | Fence Scaling Attempt | An individual attempted to scale the White House fence. |
| 2024 | Shots Fired | Shots were fired near the White House, prompting a security lockdown. |
Investigation and Next Steps
The investigation is focused on determining the suspect’s motive and whether the incident was a targeted attack or a random act of violence. Authorities are reviewing surveillance footage, interviewing witnesses, and analyzing the firearm used in the shooting. The suspect is currently undergoing a psychological evaluation.
In the immediate aftermath of the incident,security