Suspect's High-Powered Rifle

Agents seize a high-powered rifle from a suspect in custody after three shots strike the press briefing room from the street. Ron Butterfield reports the weapon during the Oval Office lockdown, prompting drawn curtains, positioned machine guns, and the full 'Crash the West Wing' protocol. Bartlet halts his call with Chigorin as staff react with shaken urgency.

3 appearances

Purpose

Fire shots at targets from distance

Significance

Sparks immediate lockdown, shifts focus from diplomatic drone crisis to domestic sniper threat, heightens personal stakes for Bartlet and senior staff, and links to earlier attacks per Leo.

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

3 moments

S4E20 · Evidence of Things Not Seen

Call to Chigorin Cut Short by Sniper Lockdown

The suspect's high-powered rifle is cited by Ron as the weapon used to fire three shots at the White House press room; its recovery substantiates the threat and justifies the lockdown measures.

Before: In the suspect's possession on the sidewalk outside the press briefing room, used to fire three rounds.

After: Seized and held by agents as evidence and to prevent further threat.

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S4E20 · Evidence of Things Not Seen

Crash the West Wing — Sniper Fires Force Oval Lockdown

The suspect's high-powered rifle is reported in custody by Ron; it is the physical weapon that created the threat and its seizure neutralizes the immediate external danger.

Before: In the possession of the shooter on the sidewalk outside the press briefing room and used to fire three rounds.

After: Seized by agents and removed from active threat; evidence in custody.

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S4E20 · Evidence of Things Not Seen

Oval Office Lockdown — Reassuring a Stricken President

The suspect's high-powered rifle is described as recovered by agents and cited by Ron as part of the evidence; it anchors the physical reality of the attack and justifies the Crash protocol.

Before: In the suspect's possession on the street, used to fire three shots toward the press briefing room.

After: Seized and in custody with law enforcement; described as evidence of an attempted attack.

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