Lafayette Park shooting: Secret Service on 'heightened alert' as Trump tours Independence Arch site

WASHINGTON, DC: The US Secret Service is on "heightened alert" after shots were reported shortly after midnight on Easter Sunday, April 5, near Lafayette Park, directly across from the White House.

No injuries were reported, but authorities said the suspect remains at large, triggering a multi-agency search involving the Metropolitan Police Department and US Park Police.

The incident occurred while President Donald J Trump was at the White House. The Secret Service said “operations at the White House remain normal” despite the overnight security response.

Lafayette Park has been under restricted access in recent weeks due to ongoing renovation work tied to preparations for the nation’s 250th anniversary.

Active search for the suspect and vehicle

Secret Service Uniformed Division officers and local law enforcement conducted a search of the area surrounding Lafayette Square and the northern perimeter of the White House complex.

Officials said they are “actively seeking a possible vehicle and a person of interest” connected to the shooting.

Authorities have not released a description of the suspect or vehicle. Investigators are reviewing surveillance footage from security cameras positioned around the White House grounds and nearby federal buildings.

The area around Lafayette Park, currently an active construction zone, remained secured as officers continued their search through the early morning hours.

Independence Arch tour and family dinner

The president’s schedule proceeded as planned following the incident. On Sunday morning, Trump traveled through Memorial Circle to review a proposed site for a planned monument associated with the upcoming 250th anniversary celebrations.

Later in the day, the president visited Trump National Golf Club in Virginia. A private Easter dinner at the White House was also expected to take place Sunday evening, with additional security measures in place.

The annual White House Easter Egg Roll remains scheduled for Monday.

Security scares haunt the 2026 cycle

The Lafayette Park incident follows recent security-related events involving restricted airspace and protective operations around the president. Last week, an F-16 fighter jet was deployed after an aircraft entered restricted airspace near Mar-a-Lago in Florida.

The Secret Service has continued to expand security protocols in response to evolving threats, including increased monitoring of airspace and perimeter zones around presidential locations.

Officials have not indicated whether the latest incident is connected to any broader threat pattern.

Washington on edge amid global war

The shooting comes amid ongoing military operations involving the United States in the Middle East. Federal agencies remain on alert as security conditions are closely monitored in Washington, DC.

Authorities have not established a motive for the Lafayette Park incident. The search for the individual involved remains active, with law enforcement maintaining an elevated presence in the area.