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Past Attacks on the Secret Service at the White House

Saturday’s shooting joins a long history of security incidents involving the White House and presidential protection details.

1950 Blair House Attack

One of the most infamous attacks occurred in 1950 when Puerto Rican nationalists attempted to assassinate President Harry Truman while he was staying at Blair House during White House renovations. Two attackers exchanged gunfire with Secret Service officers, killing White House Police officer Leslie Coffelt before both suspects were stopped.

Learn more through the White House Historical Association.

1994 White House Plane Crash

In 1994, a stolen Cessna aircraft crashed onto White House grounds in what investigators later determined was an apparent suicide attack attempt targeting the executive residence.

2011 White House Shooting

Another major incident occurred in 2011 when a gunman fired multiple rounds at the White House from Constitution Avenue. Several bullets struck the residence, including a window in the residential quarters. President Barack Obama and his family were not home at the time.

The case led to renewed scrutiny of White House perimeter security and response procedures.

2014 Fence Jumper Incident

In 2014, an armed Iraq War veteran scaled the White House fence and made it deep into the building before being apprehended. The breach sparked major criticism of Secret Service protocols and prompted significant security upgrades.

Additional historical information is available from the National Park Service White House history page.

U.S. Secret Service Heightens Concerns of Presidential Security

The latest shooting is expected to renew debate over security around federal buildings and high-profile government officials. The Secret Service has faced increasing challenges in recent years involving drones, armed individuals, fence breaches, and politically motivated threats.

Security experts note that areas surrounding the White House remain difficult to secure completely because of the heavy pedestrian and tourist traffic in downtown Washington.

Federal authorities have not yet released a possible motive for Saturday’s shooting.

Investigation by U.S. Secret Service and Others Continues

The officer-involved shooting remains under active investigation. Authorities are reviewing surveillance footage, witness statements, and forensic evidence from the scene.

Officials have not released additional information regarding the injured bystander or whether any charges or policy reviews could follow the incident.

The Secret Service said it would continue cooperating with investigators as the case develops.