Week Ahead in Washington: May 24

WASHINGTON (Gray DC) - What was supposed to be a quiet holiday week for the White House was rattled by yet another shooting, this one just outside the White House grounds.

A man died Saturday night after firing at Secret Service agents at a checkpoint outside the White House complex, according to the Secret Service.

The man approached a checkpoint around 6 p.m. just outside the gates of the White House complex and pulled a handgun from a bag. He fired at agents, who returned fire and struck the man. He later died at the hospital.

An unarmed bystander was also hit by gunfire. No agents were injured in the shooting.

President Donald Trump reacted on Truth Social following the shooting, using the incident to continue his push for a new East Wing Ballroom.

“This event is one month removed from the White House Correspondent’s Dinner shooting, and goes to show how important it is, for all future Presidents, to get, what will be, the most safe and secure space of its kind ever built in Washington, D.C. The National Security of our Country demands it,” Trump wrote.

Trump is expected to spend the week continuing negotiations on an Iran peace deal, which he says is close to being finalized, and will check in for his annual physical on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, both chambers of Congress are on recess for Memorial Day, but candidates in Texas remain active ahead of Tuesday’s primary runoff elections.

The Republican runoff for U.S. Senate is drawing the most attention. Four-term incumbent Sen. John Cornyn is facing state Attorney General Ken Paxton.

Trump recently endorsed Paxton, calling him a “true MAGA warrior.”

The winner will take on the Democratic nominee, state Rep. James Talarico, in November.

And, the nation honors fallen heroes Monday for Memorial Day.

In Washington, observations include the National Memorial Day Parade, which will take place on Constitution Avenue next to the National Mall.