A man accused of firing shots toward the White House was killed by Secret Service agents Saturday evening after opening fire near a security checkpoint outside the executive mansion.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
The White House was temporarily placed on lockdown Saturday after an armed suspect allegedly opened fire near the executive complex, prompting a deadly exchange with U.S. Secret Service agents just outside the White House perimeter.
According to a Fox News report, the incident unfolded around 6 p.m. near the intersection of 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW.
A Secret Service spokesperson said the male suspect approached a security checkpoint carrying a bag before removing a firearm and firing toward officers stationed near the White House grounds.
Secret Service personnel returned fire, striking the suspect.
Authorities said the suspect was transported to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Officials have not yet publicly released the suspect’s identity.
The Secret Service stated that the suspect had a documented history of mental health issues.
During the shooting, a civilian bystander was also struck by gunfire. Officials said it remains unclear whether the individual was hit by bullets fired by the suspect or during the exchange with federal agents.
The bystander’s condition had not been publicly disclosed Saturday evening.
One uniformed Secret Service agent was taken to a hospital as a precaution, though authorities said no Secret Service personnel suffered injuries during the incident.
President Donald Trump was inside the White House at the time of the shooting but was not harmed, according to officials.
Authorities said the suspect never breached the White House security perimeter.
Initial reports from Fox News congressional correspondent Chad Pergram stated that the suspect fired approximately three shots toward the White House before Secret Service agents responded.
Witnesses reportedly heard as many as 30 shots near the Eisenhower Executive Office Building during the exchange.
The lockdown around the White House complex was lifted later Saturday evening after law enforcement secured the area.
Multiple federal agencies responded to the scene following the shooting.
FBI Director Kash Patel announced Saturday night that FBI personnel were assisting the Secret Service investigation.
“FBI is on the scene and supporting Secret Service responding to shots fired near White House grounds — we will update the public as we’re able,” Patel said.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives also confirmed agents were assisting the Secret Service and Washington Metropolitan Police Department at the scene.
“ATF special agents are on scene at 17th and Pennsylvania Ave NW following a shooting near the White House,” the agency said in a statement posted on X.
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise of Louisiana reacted publicly to the incident shortly after reports of the shooting emerged.
“We live in dangerous times,” Scalise wrote on X.
“Praying for President Trump, those injured near the White House, and the brave Secret Service agents and law enforcement officers working to keep everyone safe this evening,” he added.
Scalise survived a 2017 shooting attack during practice for the Congressional Baseball Game in Virginia.
The shooting near the White House occurred hours after President Trump announced from the Oval Office that his administration was nearing a potential agreement aimed at ending the conflict involving Iran.
Federal authorities continue investigating the motive behind the attack.
Original article
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