Secret Service Investigates Gunfire Near White House: Report

The U.S. Secret Service confirmed Sunday that it has launched an investigation into reports of gunfire overnight near Lafayette Square, directly across from the White House, raising fresh concerns about security in the nation’s capital.

According to officials, no injuries were reported, and authorities were unable to locate a suspect following a thorough search of the park and surrounding area shortly after midnight. President Donald J. Trump, currently serving his second term in office, was inside the White House at the time of the incident.

Despite the alarming reports, officials emphasized that White House operations continued uninterrupted, though security measures in the vicinity were heightened as a precaution. Lafayette Square itself has been closed in recent weeks due to ongoing renovation efforts, potentially limiting access during the time of the incident.

The Secret Service is now coordinating closely with the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia and the U.S. Park Police as the investigation remains ongoing.

Meanwhile, on the international stage, the Trump administration secured a temporary two-week cease-fire agreement with Iran late Tuesday evening, just hours before the president’s 8 p.m. EDT deadline to escalate military pressure on the regime’s energy infrastructure.

Vice President JD Vance, speaking alongside Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban during remarks in Hungary earlier that day, addressed the significance of the looming deadline and America’s expectations for Tehran.

“We feel confident that we can get a response, whether it’s positive or negative, we’re gonna get a response from the Iranians by 8 o’clock tonight,” Vance began. “I hope they make the right response because what we really want is we want a world where oil and gas is flowing freely, where people can afford to heat their homes and cool their homes, where people can afford to transport themselves to work.

“That’s not gonna happen if the Iranians are engaged in acts of economic terrorism,” the vice president continued. “They’ve got to know, we’ve got tools in our toolkit that we so far haven’t decided to use. The president of the United States can decide to use them, and he will decide to use them if the Iranians don’t change their course of conduct.”

The administration has made clear that restoring stability to global energy markets—and protecting American economic interests—remains a top priority.

In recent days, President Trump pointed to what he described as a meaningful concession from Iran, noting that the regime had agreed to allow additional oil tankers to pass through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump framed the development as a sign of progress following firm U.S. leadership.

“They gave us… 20 boats of oil. Big, big boats going through the Hormuz Strait,” Trump said. “That’s taking place starting tomorrow morning.”

The president indicated that the move builds on an earlier agreement involving 10 vessels, calling the broader arrangement a positive step amid ongoing negotiations aimed at de-escalating tensions in the region.

The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical artery for global energy supply, historically facilitating roughly one-third of the world’s oil exports. However, since hostilities escalated in late February, traffic through the narrow passage has reportedly plummeted by as much as 90 percent—triggering instability in global markets and raising alarms among U.S. allies.

While administration officials have cautiously welcomed Iran’s decision to permit limited tanker passage, questions remain about whether Tehran will fully reopen the route or sustain its commitments.

Iranian leaders, for their part, have attempted to downplay the move, suggesting the shipments are part of routine trade rather than a direct response to U.S. pressure.

Still, President Trump has made clear that patience is limited.

“Remember when I gave Iran ten days to MAKE A DEAL or OPEN UP THE HORMUZ STRAIT,” he wrote on Truth Social. “Time is running out — 48 hours before all Hell will reign down on them. Glory be to GOD!”

In a follow-up message late Sunday, the president reinforced the urgency of the situation, posting: “Tuesday, 8 P.M. Eastern Time!”

Iran’s earlier decision to close the Strait of Hormuz—reportedly in retaliation for recent U.S.-Israeli military actions—has rattled global markets and underscored the high stakes of the standoff.

As the cease-fire window begins, the Trump administration is signaling both a willingness to negotiate and a readiness to act decisively if necessary—sending a clear message that American strength and economic stability will not be compromised.