The Justice Department (DOJ) referenced a recent shooting outside the White House in its appeal to proceed with the redevelopment of the East Wing, which includes the construction of a ballroom. The DOJ filed a brief on May 25, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, responding to a lawsuit from a preservationist group seeking to halt the construction. The DOJ argued that the shooting incident underscores the need for enhanced security at the White House, including the planned ballroom, which is part of the East Wing Project.
The DOJ's filing noted that the White House complex was locked down following an exchange of gunfire involving the Secret Service and a suspect, who was killed. U.S. District Judge Richard Leon had previously issued an injunction in March to stop the ballroom construction, but the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit has temporarily paused this injunction while reviewing the DOJ's appeal.
The DOJ's brief detailed various security features planned for the ballroom, such as bulletproof glass and missile-resistant columns, emphasizing that ongoing litigation could jeopardize national security. The filing also mentioned recent threats to President Donald Trump, including a shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner. The DOJ criticized the preservation group for continuing its lawsuit and stated that the group lacks standing to challenge the East Wing project. The court is expected to consider the appeal next month, amid ongoing challenges in securing funding for the security upgrades associated with the ballroom project.