Gunshots were reported near the White House complex, prompting the United States Secret Service to immediately place the area on lockdown. Security was tightened across key locations, including the press office, after the incident near 15th Street and Independence Avenue.
Videos on social media showed journalists being moved into the press briefing room as agents secured the perimeter. Authorities issued an all-clear roughly 15 minutes later.
Providing an update, US Secret Service Deputy Director Matt Quinn said officers initially spotted a suspicious individual outside the complex and visually identified a firearm. Agents began following the person, who then attempted to flee and opened fire on Secret Service personnel. Agents returned fire and struck the suspect.
Quinn confirmed that a bystander, a child, was also hit by gunfire but did not suffer life-threatening injuries and was transported to a hospital. Investigators believe the child was struck by shots fired by the suspect.
The Secret Service earlier said the incident involved an officer-involved shooting and urged the public to avoid the area as emergency crews responded.
When asked whether the incident was linked to recent threats against President Donald Trump, Quinn said he could not confirm any connection and would not speculate.
The situation remains under investigation.
The incident comes just over a week after a major security scare involving Cole Allen Tomas, who allegedly attempted to assassinate President Donald Trump during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. According to officials, Allen, 31-year-old man from Torrance, California, rushed past a security checkpoint and magnetometer at the venue, armed with a pump-action shotgun, a handgun, and three knives.
He was subdued by Secret Service agents after a brief exchange of gunfire, during which one agent sustained minor injuries after buckshot struck their ballistic vest. Allen was taken into custody without being shot and is currently in federal custody awaiting trial on multiple charges related to the attempted attack.
The latest shooting near the White House adds to heightened security concerns in Washington, as law enforcement remains on high alert following recent threats targeting top US officials.
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