US Secret Service agents shot a 27-year-old armed Indiana man near the White House in what appears to be a planned “suicide by cop” incident, leaving the suspect hospitalized and raising questions about security protocols around the presidential residence.
Key Takeaways
- Andrew Dawson, 27, from Indiana was shot by Secret Service agents after brandishing both a firearm and knife approximately one block from the White House.
- Intelligence indicated Dawson intended to commit “suicide by cop” and local Indiana police had alerted DC authorities about his intentions before the incident.
- The confrontation occurred around midnight, with Dawson refusing commands to drop his weapons and reaching toward his waist, prompting agents to fire in self-defense.
- President Trump was in Florida during the incident, and no Secret Service personnel were injured in the confrontation.
- The Metropolitan Police Department’s Internal Affairs Division is investigating the shooting as is standard procedure for law enforcement use of force incidents.
Confrontation Near Presidential Grounds
The dramatic standoff occurred shortly after midnight on March 9th, approximately one block from the White House at 17th and G Streets NW in Washington, DC. Secret Service agents encountered Andrew Dawson, 27, from Indiana, who was armed with both a firearm and a knife. The agents had been alerted to Dawson’s presence in the area after receiving intelligence from Indiana law enforcement that a potentially suicidal individual was traveling to the nation’s capital with concerning intentions. After locating both Dawson’s vehicle and spotting someone matching his description nearby, agents moved to intercept him.
According to agency statements, when Secret Service personnel approached Dawson, he immediately presented a threatening posture and brandished his weapons. Despite clear instructions to disarm himself, Dawson refused to comply and instead made movements toward his waistband that officers interpreted as an imminent threat. This forced agents to discharge their weapons in self-defense. Dawson was wounded in the exchange and subsequently transported to a local hospital. Details about his current medical condition have not been released to the public at the time of this 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
Suicide By Cop Attempt
Law enforcement officials have indicated that intelligence suggested Dawson intended to commit what is commonly referred to as “suicide by cop” – a disturbing tactic where an individual deliberately provokes police officers into using deadly force. Indiana authorities had proactively alerted Washington DC officials about Dawson’s concerning statements and possible intentions before he arrived in the capital area. This early warning allowed Secret Service to mobilize resources and locate the suspect before he could potentially approach more sensitive areas near the White House.
The Secret Service emphasized that President Donald Trump was in Florida at the time of the incident, so there was no immediate threat to the commander-in-chief. White House security protocols remained intact throughout the confrontation, with the incident being contained quickly by responding agents. No Secret Service personnel sustained injuries during the confrontation, and the area was secured promptly following the shooting to ensure public safety and maintain the integrity of the scene for investigators.
Investigation Underway
The Metropolitan Police Department Internal Affairs Division’s Force Investigations Team has taken lead on examining the circumstances surrounding the shooting, as is standard procedure when law enforcement personnel discharge their weapons. This independent review will assess whether proper protocols were followed during the confrontation and if the use of force was justified under agency guidelines and federal law. Investigators are currently collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses, and reviewing any available security camera footage from the area.
The incident highlights the ongoing security challenges faced by law enforcement agencies tasked with protecting government facilities and officials in the nation’s capital. Mental health experts have long observed that government buildings and high-profile locations can become targets for individuals experiencing severe psychological distress. Authorities remind those experiencing mental health crises that help is available through the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988, which provides immediate counseling support and intervention resources.
