By Desmond Nleya, Daily Times
WASHINGTON, DC — A gunman was shot dead by United States Secret Service officers after opening fire at a security checkpoint near the White House on Saturday evening, authorities said.
The shooting occurred shortly after 6pm local time at the intersection of 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, just outside the White House perimeter. According to the Secret Service, the suspect approached the checkpoint carrying a bag, pulled out a firearm, and began firing at officers stationed there.
Secret Service agents immediately returned fire, fatally wounding the suspect. He was later pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.
A bystander was also wounded during the exchange of gunfire. Authorities said it remains unclear whether the individual was struck by bullets fired by the suspect or during the officers’ response.
US President Donald Trump was inside the White House at the time of the incident and was not harmed. The White House was briefly placed under lockdown as security forces secured the area.
Officials confirmed that no Secret Service personnel were injured.
Witnesses near the White House North Lawn reported hearing more than 30 gunshots as panic spread through the area. Journalists covering events at the White House were ordered to take cover inside the press briefing room while police sealed off nearby streets.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation later confirmed it had joined the investigation. FBI Director Kash Patel said agents were assisting the Secret Service and promised updates as investigations continue.
White House Communications Director Steven Cheung said Trump continued working inside the White House after the incident.
Authorities also revealed that the suspect had previously been issued with a stay-away order, which he allegedly ignored before approaching the checkpoint.
The identity of the suspect and a possible motive have not yet been released.
The shooting comes less than a month after another security scare involving Trump, when a suspect was arrested at a Washington hotel hosting the annual White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner.
Investigations into Saturday’s shooting remain ongoing.
