An armed suspect died after opening fire on Secret Service officers at a checkpoint near the White House on Saturday evening.
President Trump was inside the White House when the shooting occurred.
According to reports, the suspect approached a Secret Service checkpoint, brandished a pistol, and fired approximately three shots at officers. Secret Service agents returned fire, striking the suspect who later died.
A bystander was also shot during the exchange. It remains unclear whether the bystander was hit by the suspect’s initial gunfire or during the return fire.
Reporters on White House grounds were immediately ordered to shelter in place, and journalists on the North Lawn were told to rush to the press briefing room as the situation developed.
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed federal agents were responding near the White House grounds and supporting Secret Service operations.
The incident occurred shortly after 6:00 p.m. Saturday when an individual approached a Secret Service checkpoint in the area of 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW, removed a weapon from his bag and began firing at posted officers. Secret Service officers returned fire, striking the suspect who was transported to a hospital and later died.
A bystander was also struck by gunfire. The Secret Service stated that it remains unclear whether the bystander was hit during the initial exchange or in response to the return fire.
The White House was secured and placed on lockdown after the incident, with President Trump inside the residence at the time.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
