A woman was shot by security guards outside CIA headquarters in McLean, Virginia, early Thursday, in what the agency described as a "security incident."
The shooting, reported to be non-fatal, occurred around 4 a.m. ET at the agency’s main gated entrance on Dolley Madison Boulevard, prompting a lockdown of the facility’s primary access point.
The front gate at Headquarters is closed until further notice. Please use alternate routes for Thursday, May 22nd.
— CIA (@CIA) May 22, 2025
The incident follows a deadly shooting Wednesday night at the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., approximately 12 miles away, though authorities say there is no evidence of a connection between the two events.
Fairfax County Police identified the woman as 27-year-old Monia Spadaro, who was shot after allegedly ignoring commands to stop while driving toward the CIA’s entrance.
"FCPD officers are currently in the area providing traffic support as the CIA conducts its investigation," a Fairfax County Police Department spokesperson stated. "There are no road closures at this time."
Spadaro, who was taken into custody and is receiving treatment for gunshot wounds, has a prior DUI conviction from 2021, according to Arlington General District Court records.
Law enforcement sources are investigating whether she was intoxicated during the incident, though no confirmation has been provided.
A CIA spokesperson confirmed the event, stating, "There was a security incident outside CIA Headquarters that required law enforcement response.". The main gate is currently closed until further notice. Additional details will be made available as appropriate."
The agency clarified that the vehicle did not breach the compound and no security officers were injured.
Employees were directed to use alternate routes to access the facility.
This marks the second security incident at CIA headquarters in less than three months. In March 2025, a man was detained without gunfire after approaching the same entrance, waving a weapon and pointing it at his head.
The woman was apprehended at CIA headquarters hours after a lone gunman fatally shot two Israeli Embassy staff members outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday night.
The attack, which took place around 8 p.m. ET, targeted the victims as they left an event at the museum, located in the 300 block of 3rd Street NW.
The Metropolitan Police Department described the shooting as a targeted act but has not released a motive or suspect details, citing an ongoing investigation.
"We are working closely with federal partners, including the FBI, to determine the circumstances of this tragic event," MPD Chief Pamela Smith said in a statement late Wednesday.
🚨 #BREAKING: An Israeli diplomat has just been shot and kiIIed outside the Capital Jewish Museum in DC
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) May 22, 2025
The shooter screamed “FREE PALESTINE” before assassinating the diplomat, per DC police
FBI and Pam Bondi are now on scene pic.twitter.com/bogH1UUR1j
The Capital Jewish Museum, which opened in 2023, serves as a cultural and educational hub celebrating Jewish history and contributions in the D.C. region.
The Wednesday attack has heightened security concerns at Jewish institutions nationwide, particularly amid ongoing global tensions involving Israel.
The FBI’s Washington Field Office, leading the investigation, stated,
"We are fully committed to identifying and bringing the perpetrator to justice. We urge anyone with information to come forward."
No additional statements have been issued by the CIA or Fairfax County Police regarding Spadaro’s condition or potential charges at the time of this publication.
No lawmakers have publicly commented on the CIA shooting as of this time, though several D.C.-area representatives expressed condolences for the museum victims.
"My heart goes out to the families of the Israeli Embassy staff killed in this senseless act. We must ensure justice is served," Senator Mark Warner, D-VA, wrote on X.
My heart is broken for the families of the two young Israeli Embassy staff members killed last night outside the Capital Jewish Museum. Anti-Semitism and hate-fueled violence have no place in our society.
— Mark Warner (@MarkWarner) May 22, 2025
The Department of Homeland Security has not issued alerts connecting the two incidents but noted an increased security posture at federal facilities in the D.C. region.
A source familiar with the CIA incident, speaking anonymously to NBC News, confirmed Spadaro’s stable condition but provided no further details on what prompted security to open fire.
While authorities have emphasized no evidence suggests a correlation between the CIA shooting and the Jewish museum attack, the timing and proximity have raised public concern, with the public speculating about the possibility of coordinated threats.
Of course it does, you likely did it, or the CIA or Mossad. Take out two intelligence targets, chose a Jewish museum event to do it at so people then demand more antisemitism laws which benefits, once again, who? The nation nearest & dearest to your heart, Israel.
— Winston (@Scottobix) May 22, 2025
GTFOH.
Thursday morning in DC? Wednesday night, a terrorist at the Jewish Museum - attacker kills two embassy staffers, next? A woman crashes the front gate at CIA HQ (she's shot, current condition unknown). Massive tie-up on the Capital Beltway (crash) delays commuters this morning,…
— Tim Sawyer (@tzsawyer) May 22, 2025
The CIA and MPD have urged the public to avoid speculation and rely on official updates.
This is a developing story, and further details will be provided as they become available.
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