Secret Service agents shot 27-year-old Andrew Dawson during an armed confrontation near the White House, as the Indiana man allegedly sought “suicide by cop” while brandishing both a gun and knife.
Quick Takes
- Secret Service shot an armed man from Indiana just after midnight about a block from the White House, following intelligence warnings about a “suicidal individual.”
- The suspect, identified as 27-year-old Andrew Dawson, was armed with both a firearm and knife and allegedly intended to provoke “suicide by cop.”
- Despite commands to drop his weapons, Dawson reached 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.
- The Metropolitan Police Department’s Force Investigations Team is now handling the investigation.
Armed Confrontation Near White House
Secret Service agents encountered and shot an armed Indiana man approximately one block from the White House early Sunday morning. The incident occurred around midnight at 17th and G Streets NW in Washington, D.C., when agents responded to intelligence about a potentially dangerous individual traveling from Indiana. Local police had alerted the Secret Service about a “suicidal individual” making his way to the nation’s capital, leading agents to locate a vehicle and person matching the description provided by authorities. What followed was a tense confrontation that ended with gunfire.
The suspect has been identified as 27-year-old Andrew Dawson from Indiana. According to reports, Dawson was armed with both a firearm and a knife during the confrontation. Intelligence provided to law enforcement suggested he intended to commit “suicide by cop” – a phenomenon where an individual deliberately provokes police officers into using deadly force. Despite clear commands from Secret Service agents to drop his weapons, Dawson reportedly did not comply and instead reached toward his waistband, an action that agents perceived as an immediate threat.
Gunman shot by Secret Service near White House identified as Indiana man who was on local cops’ radar https://t.co/NJJKF9mpmT pic.twitter.com/EuaYo6T9X4
— New York Post (@nypost) March 9, 2025
Official Response and Investigation
Anthony Guglielmi, Chief of Communications for the Secret Service, confirmed the details of the incident in an official statement. The agency emphasized that agents acted in accordance with their training and protocols when confronted with an armed individual who refused to comply with commands. Dawson was wounded in the shooting and subsequently hospitalized, though his current condition has not been disclosed publicly. Importantly, all Secret Service personnel emerged from the confrontation unharmed, and the White House complex remained secure throughout the incident.
“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.
President Donald Trump was not at risk during the incident, as he was in Florida at the time of the shooting. The Metropolitan Police Department’s Internal Affairs Division, specifically their Force Investigations Team, has taken over the investigation as is standard procedure for all law enforcement shootings in the District of Columbia. Their investigation will assess whether the use of force was justified and followed proper protocols, as well as gather additional details about the incident and Dawson’s background and intentions.
Mental Health Awareness
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement when dealing with individuals experiencing mental health crises. For those experiencing thoughts of suicide or mental health crises, resources are available 24/7. The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline can be reached by calling or texting 988, or through online chat options. This service provides immediate support and connection to mental health professionals who can help individuals navigate crises and access appropriate care. The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of early intervention and mental health support in preventing potentially dangerous situations that put both individuals and law enforcement at risk.
