US authorities are investigating the background and movements of a gunman who opened fire on United States Secret Service officers near the White House on Saturday evening before being shot dead by agents. The shooting took place shortly after 18:00 local time near 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW, just a short distance from the White House complex, according to the Secret Service.
Officials said the suspect approached a security checkpoint carrying a bag before producing a firearm and opening fire on officers stationed in the area. "A preliminary investigation indicates that as the individual approached, he removed a weapon from his bag and began firing at posted officers," the Secret Service said in a statement.
Officers returned fire, strikingthe gunman,who was later taken to hospital where he died from his injuries. Authorities have not yet publicly identified the suspect, and investigators are now working to establish his motives and whether he had any known links to extremist groups or previous threats involving federal officials.
According to a Reuters report, the suspect was an emotionally disturbed person and had a "stay-away order" previously issued against him.
A bystander, who was also shot during the incident, has died, according to a CNN report. However, it is not clear if the person was hit by the suspect's gunfire or during the exchange with Secret Service officers. The individual was taken to hospital, according to sources briefed on the investigation. Their condition has not been disclosed.
No Secret Service personnel were injured.
US President Donald Trump was inside the White House at the time but was "not impacted", the agency said.
Reporters working at the White House said they heard multiple gunshots shortly after 18:00 before being ordered to shelter inside the press briefing room. Several journalists later described armed Secret Service officers preventing members of the press from leaving the area while security teams responded.
The Secret Service later confirmed on social media that it was "aware of reports of shots fired near 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW" and was working to verify information from officers on the ground.
Kash Patel, director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, said agents were assisting in the response and promised further updates as investigators gathered more information.
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