A dramatic security incident unfolded near the White House on Saturday evening after a suspect allegedly opened fire near a security checkpoint before being shot by officers and taken to hospital. The man was pronounced dead shortly afterwards, and a bystanderwas also wounded in the gunfire.
According to Reuters, the shooting occurred near 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW, close to the White House grounds, prompting a rapid response from Secret Service agents and federal law enforcement.
A law enforcement official told the outlet that the suspect approached the checkpoint and began firing at officers stationed in the area.
© AFP via Getty ImagesThe individual was later described as "down" and was transported to George Washington Hospital following the confrontation.
Authorities also identified the suspect as an "emotionally disturbed person" and revealed that a stay-away order had previously been issued against them.
© AFP via Getty ImagesAccording to the U.S. Secret Service, officials were investigating reports of shots fired near 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW, just steps away from the White House complex.
The alarming incident occurred shortly before 6pm local time, with reporters gathered outside on the North Lawn suddenly instructed to seek immediate shelter.
An NBC News crew at the scene reported hearing between 20 and 30 gunshots before Secret Service agents urgently directed members of the press to run inside the White House briefing room.
Agents were reportedly stationed outside the room with weapons drawn as authorities worked to assess the situation.
The White House lockdown remained in place for nearly an hour before it was lifted shortly before 7pm.
At the time of the incident, President Donald Trump was confirmed to be inside the White House. Vice President JD Vance had also been at the White House earlier in the day, although it was not immediately clear whether he remained on the premises when the shots were fired.
FBI Director Kash Patel later confirmed on social media that federal agents had joined the response effort.
"FBI is on the scene and supporting Secret Service responding to shots fired near White House grounds," Patel wrote. "We will update the public as we're able."
© AFP via Getty ImagesThe Secret Service also released a statement acknowledging the reports and confirming that officers on the ground were working to verify exactly what had occurred.
© The Washington Post via Getty ImThe incident sparked concern online as videos and eyewitness accounts quickly spread across social media, with many users reacting to the heavy security response surrounding one of the most protected locations in the United States.
As investigations continue, federal authorities are expected to provide additional updates regarding the circumstances surrounding the shooting reports.
