Secret Service agents opened fire on an armed man just steps from the White House this weekend, raising serious questions about security at one of America’s most protected landmarks. The individual, who reportedly traveled from Indiana with possible suicidal intentions, now lies hospitalized after a tense confrontation with federal officers.
At a glance:
• Secret Service shot a 27-year-old Indiana man identified as Andrew Dawson near the White House after an “armed confrontation”
• Dawson was reportedly flagged as a potential suicide risk, possibly seeking “suicide by cop”
• President Trump was safely in Florida during the incident
• The confrontation occurred just one block from the White House at 17th and F Streets
• Metropolitan Police Department’s Internal Affairs Division is investigating the shooting
Armed Confrontation Near White House
The Secret Service shot a 27-year-old man identified as Andrew Dawson near the White House early Sunday morning following what officials described as an “armed confrontation.” According to agency statements, Dawson had traveled from Indiana to Washington, D.C., and was flagged by local police as a potential suicide risk.
The incident occurred around midnight when Secret Service personnel encountered Dawson’s parked vehicle near 17th and F Streets, just one block from the White House. When officers approached the vehicle, Dawson allegedly brandished a firearm, prompting Secret Service agents to open fire.
#BREAKING: The Secret Service reportedly shot a man outside the White House early this morning. The man was armed, and there was a verbal confrontation.
The individual appears to have been a suicidal person who traveled from Indiana. There were no injuries to Secret Service… pic.twitter.com/yoOKmABBoQ
— Susan Crabtree (@susancrabtree) March 9, 2025
Investigation Underway
Officials confirmed that Dawson was immediately transported to a local hospital, though authorities have not released information about his current condition. No Secret Service personnel were injured during the confrontation, which speaks to the effective training of the agents protecting America’s most important government facilities.
“On Sunday March 9th, an adult male was shot by U.S. Secret Service personnel following an armed confrontation with law enforcement in Washington DC,” the Secret Service said in an official statement.
“Around midnight, members of the Secret Service encountered the individual’s parked vehicle. As officers approached, the individual brandished a firearm and an armed confrontation ensued, during which shots were fired by our personnel.”
Law enforcement bulletins allegedly indicated that Dawson may have been seeking “suicide by cop,” adding a troubling dimension to this security incident. Reports also suggest that Dawson may have been armed with a BB gun, though it remains unclear if this was the weapon he brandished during the confrontation.
Secret Service shoots an armed man near The White House.
Agents opens fire at the man during an ‘armed confrontation’ near the intersection of 17th Street and F Street NW.
“As officers approached, the individual brandished a firearm, and an armed confrontation ensued, during… pic.twitter.com/zAJZYhMfRc
— Oli London (@OliLondonTV) March 9, 2025
Public Safety and Response
President Trump was safely in Florida at the time of the incident, far from any potential danger. The Metropolitan Police Department’s Internal Affairs Division’s Force Investigations Team has now taken over the investigation, following standard protocol for officer-involved shootings in the District.
The incident marks another example of heightened security challenges facing federal law enforcement in the nation’s capital. Questions remain about why Dawson traveled from Indiana to Washington, D.C., and what his ultimate intentions might have been.
Trump is under constant threat, and sadly, this might well be one of many incidents yet to come.
