Secret Service agents shot a 27-year-old Indiana man near the White House after he brandished weapons and refused to comply with commands, culminating in a dangerous confrontation that authorities believe was a deliberate “suicide by cop” attempt.
Top Takeaways
- Andrew Dawson, 27, from Indiana, was shot by Secret Service agents about a block from the White House after brandishing a gun and a knife around midnight
- Indiana police had alerted authorities that Dawson was suicidal and possibly intending “suicide by cop” prior to the incident
- Dawson ignored commands to drop his weapons and reached toward his waist, prompting agents to fire in self-defense
- President Trump was in Florida during the incident, and no Secret Service agents were injured
- The Metropolitan Police Department’s Force Investigations Team is conducting an official investigation into the shooting
Armed Confrontation Near Presidential Grounds
A tense confrontation unfolded near the White House when Secret Service agents encountered 27-year-old Andrew Dawson of Indiana approximately one block from the presidential residence. The incident occurred around midnight on Sunday when agents, who had been alerted by Indiana police about a potentially suicidal individual traveling to Washington D.C., located both Dawson’s vehicle and a person matching his description in the vicinity of 17th and G Streets NW, about a block from the White House grounds.
When agents approached Dawson, he brandished both a firearm and a knife, creating an immediate threat situation. Despite clear commands from Secret Service personnel to drop his weapons, Dawson refused to comply. This non-compliance and threatening gestures prompted agents to discharge their weapons in self-defense. Dawson was subsequently hospitalized, though his current condition remains undisclosed at the time of publication.
US Secret Service shot a man who pointed a gun at officers near the White House in Washington DC last night during a possible “suicide by cop” situation. https://t.co/QFN012cY8R pic.twitter.com/U3wqT02DVO
— DMV News Live (@DCNewsLive) March 9, 2025
Intelligence and Prior Warnings
Law enforcement officials in Indiana had previously alerted Washington D.C. authorities about Dawson’s concerning intentions. Intelligence suggested that Dawson was traveling to the nation’s capital with the specific intention of provoking law enforcement into a lethal confrontation, a phenomenon commonly referred to as “suicide by cop.” This advance warning allowed Secret Service to be on alert for an individual matching Dawson’s description.
“As officers approached, the individual brandished a firearm and an armed confrontation ensued, during which shots were fired by our personnel,” the Secret Service said in a statement.
The Secret Service’s response followed established protocols for dealing with armed threats. Importantly, President Donald Trump was not in Washington at the time of the incident but was at his residence in Florida. No Secret Service personnel sustained injuries during the confrontation.
Investigation and Aftermath
Following standard procedure for all law enforcement shootings in the District of Columbia, the Metropolitan Police Department’s Internal Affairs Division has dispatched its Force Investigations Team to conduct a thorough review of the incident. This investigation will determine whether the use of force by Secret Service agents was justified under the circumstances they faced. The investigation remains active as authorities work to piece together the complete sequence of events.
The incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement personnel tasked with protecting high-value targets like the White House. It also underscores the reality of mental health crises that can lead to dangerous confrontations with authorities. For individuals experiencing thoughts of suicide or self-harm, resources are available through the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988, where trained counselors stand ready to provide immediate support and intervention.
