TV Reporters Duck for Cover as Shots Ring Out While Filming

What To Know

A gunman opened fire near a White House security checkpoint on May 23.
Several TV reporters, including ABC’s Selina Wang, CBS’s Aaron Navarro, and NBC’s Julie Tsirkin, were filming live when the shots rang out.
This incident marks the third shooting near President Donald Trump in the past month.

A shooting near the White House on Saturday, May 23, was thwarted after Secret Service agents killed the armed suspect — and more than one TV reporter was filming as shots rang out, catching their live reaction to the attack.

Shortly after 6 p.m. ET, a gunman opened fire near a White House security checkpoint, NPR reported. The man died after being shot by Secret Service agents; one bystander was also struck by gunfire. The incident was the third time in the past month that shots were fired near President Donald Trump. In April, a gunman opened fire at the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner, followed by shots being fired near the Washington Monument earlier in May.

One video shows ABC News reporter Selina Wang’s reaction to the gunshots while she filmed a video for social media.

“I was in the middle of taping on my iPhone for a social video from the White House North Lawn when we heard the shots,” Wang captioned her Instagram post. “It sounded like dozens of gunshots. We were told to sprint to the press briefing room, where we are holding now.”

In the clip, Wang reported, “President Trump has said a deal is close,” before a quick succession of gunshots could be heard. After realizing what was happening, both the reporter and the cameraman ducked for cover inside their tent.

In the comments, Instagram users shared their concern, with one follower writing, “Selina, this gave me major chills. Hope you’re okay.”

Another echoed, “I’m sorry they put your life in danger like this. Thank you for reporting. I hope you’re OK.”

A fellow ABC News reporter, Abigail Vélez, shared, “Selina — thank you for keeping us informed, but I’m sorry you had to go through this. Praying for you and your baby.”

Another video of a CBS News reporter, Aaron Navarro, filming as shots rang out has also circulated on social media. In his clip, the journalist explained, “President Trump promises the prices will go down, but his grip on Republican support on Capitol Hill…is weakening.” He eventually recognized the gunshots and dropped to the ground. The video cut to an officer instructing Navarro and crew members to run for cover inside.