A gunman was fatally shot by United States Secret Service officers after opening fire near the White House on Saturday evening, triggering a major security scare in Washington, D.C.
According to the Secret Service, the suspect approached a security checkpoint near 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW, close to the White House grounds, before pulling a firearm from his bag and firing at officers. Agents returned fire, critically wounding the suspect, who later died in hospital.
Authorities said a bystander was also struck during the exchange of gunfire, although it was not immediately clear whether the injury was caused by shots fired by the suspect or responding officers. No Secret Service personnel were injured.
US President Donald Trump was inside the White House at the time of the shooting but was not harmed. The White House complex was briefly placed under lockdown as heavily armed security officers secured the area and evacuated members of the press to safety.
The FBI confirmed it was supporting investigations into the incident. Law enforcement officials quoted by US media described the suspect as an emotionally disturbed individual who had previously been issued with a “stay-away order” linked to earlier encounters near the White House.
Eyewitnesses reported hearing between 10 and 20 gunshots during the chaotic exchange, with journalists stationed near the White House seen taking cover as the shooting unfolded.
The incident comes amid heightened security concerns around the White House following a series of recent security breaches and gun-related incidents near the presidential complex.
