A man was shot dead by United States Secret Service officers on Saturday evening after he opened fire at a security checkpoint near the White House in Washington, DC. The incident also left one bystander wounded, authorities confirmed.
According to reports, the suspect approached a Secret Service checkpoint at the intersection of 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue shortly after 6:00 p.m. local time (22:00 GMT). Officials said the man pulled a firearm from his bag and began shooting at officers stationed at the checkpoint.
In a statement, the Secret Service said officers immediately returned fire, striking the suspect, who was later pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.
A bystander was also injured during the incident, although authorities are yet to determine whether the person was hit by the suspect’s gunfire or during the exchange of shots.
U.S. President Donald Trump, who was reportedly inside the White House at the time, was unharmed. Following the shooting, the White House was placed on immediate lockdown as security agencies secured the area.
No Secret Service officers were injured during the confrontation.
Eyewitnesses reported hearing more than 30 gunshots near the White House North Lawn, forcing journalists at the scene to take shelter. Security personnel later cordoned off the area while National Guard troops blocked access to reporters.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) confirmed it had joined the investigation, while authorities said the suspect’s identity and motive had not yet been released.
The Secret Service said investigations into the incident are ongoing.
