Washington, D.C. – President Donald Trump Shot in Apparent Targeted Attack Outside White House
In a shocking development late this evening, former President Donald Trump was shot in what authorities believe to be a targeted attack as he exited the White House just 30 minutes ago.
The incident occurred at approximately 11:55 PM WAT on April 17, 2025, and has sent shockwaves across the nation and around the world.
President Trump was immediately transported to a nearby hospital, where he is currently undergoing emergency medical treatment. As of this report, his condition remains unknown.
Preliminary accounts from law enforcement and eyewitnesses indicate that the shooting occurred as President Trump was leaving the White House grounds, reportedly en route to a late-night engagement.
A lone gunman, whose identity has not yet been released, is said to have opened fire from a position near the perimeter of the White House. Secret Service agents responded within seconds, swiftly engaging and neutralizing the suspect. Although reports suggest the shooter is deceased, officials have yet to confirm the individual’s status.
Security in and around the White House has been heightened, and federal agencies are actively investigating the motive behind the attack.
Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
“We heard a series of loud pops, and then chaos erupted,” said one eyewitness who was near the White House at the time of the shooting.
“Secret Service agents tackled the president to the ground and rushed him into a vehicle. There was blood, but I couldn’t tell where he was hit.”
The U.S. Secret Service released a brief statement shortly after the incident, confirming the attack:
“At approximately 11:55 PM, an armed individual fired shots at President Donald Trump as he exited the White House.
The suspect was neutralized by Secret Service personnel, and the president was immediately transported to a medical facility for evaluation and treatment.
The incident is currently under active investigation by federal authorities.”
This marks the second assassination attempt on President Trump in less than a year. The first occurred on July 13, 2024, during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, when he sustained a gunshot wound to the ear in a widely publicized attack.
Authorities have not yet released further details regarding the suspect’s identity or possible motive.
The attack was carried out by 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, resulting in the death of one bystander and leaving two others critically injured.
This second act of violence against President Trump in under a year has reignited serious concerns about rising political extremism and the growing threat of domestic political violence in the United States.
President Trump’s current medical condition remains unclear. Conflicting reports from sources close to the administration suggest he may have been shot in the shoulder, while others indicate a potentially more serious injury. The White House has yet to release an official update, and Vice President JD Vance is reportedly en route to Washington to coordinate with senior leadership and national security officials.
The FBI, in coordination with the Metropolitan Police Department, has sealed off the area surrounding the White House as the investigation into the suspect’s motive continues. While early speculation points to political motivations, federal authorities have urged the public and media to avoid drawing premature conclusions until verified information is available.
International reactions began pouring in within the hour. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer posted on X (formerly Twitter):
“I am appalled by this attack on President Trump. Political violence has no place in our world, and my thoughts are with him and his family.”
Similar messages of condemnation and solidarity have come from leaders across Europe and Asia.
This latest incident comes during a period of heightened political tension in the United States. President Trump’s second term has been marked by controversial policy decisions, deep ideological divides, and frequent clashes between opposing factions. The attack is expected to reignite national debates over gun control, security protocols, and the broader climate of political intolerance.
In response to the shooting, security has been significantly increased across Washington, D.C., and other major U.S. cities. The Department of Homeland Security has raised the national threat level, placing federal and local agencies on high alert for possible copycat attacks or civil unrest.
As the country awaits verified updates on President Trump’s condition, the nation remains on edge, confronting the gravity of a second attempt on a sitting president’s life in less than a year.
Further statements from the White House are expected in the coming hours.
