The American Secret Service shot dead a gunman who opened fire on them near the White House in Washington on Saturday evening local time, American media report. A bystander was seriously injured. President Donald Trump was in the White House at the time and was unharmed.
According to the Secret Service, the suspect pulled a firearm from a bag as he approached a security checkpoint at 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue and began shooting. It is still unclear why, but the person appeared confused, a security official told Reuters. Officers then shot the suspect. The gunman later died in a hospital.
Journalists on the White House grounds reported that dozens of shots were heard. Staff and reporters present had to take cover in the White House press room, after which the complex was closed for about forty minutes.
The FBI is investigating the shooting along with the Secret Service. The incident follows a shooting at the White House last month during the Correspondents’ Dinner , in which an armed man attempted to attack Trump.
Also read
After shooting incident at journalists’ dinner, Trump is longing for his own ballroom