A shooting incident near the White House on Saturday evening resulted in the death of a gunman and injury to a bystander. The U.S. Secret Service reported that the suspect opened fire near 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, prompting agents to return fire. The suspect was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
Incident Details
The shooting occurred shortly after 6 p.m., causing a swift response from Secret Service agents who were on the scene. The agency confirmed that no officers were injured during the exchange of gunfire. The condition of the injured bystander remains unclear.
President Donald Trump was inside the White House at the time of the incident. The Secret Service confirmed that no protectees were harmed and that operations within the White House were unaffected. Earlier in the day, President Trump had been working on international negotiations, specifically a deal to end the conflict between the United States and Iran.
Reactions and Security Response
Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Senator Rick Scott both expressed gratitude for the Secret Service’s decisive actions. Thune highlighted the importance of the agents’ quick response in ensuring the safety of those near the White House. Scott called for an end to political violence, describing the incident as another attempt on the president’s life.
The FBI, led by Director Kash Patel, also responded to the scene to support the Secret Service. The investigation into the shooting is ongoing, with law enforcement agencies working to gather more details.
ABC News correspondent Selina Wang was reporting from the White House North Lawn when the gunfire erupted. She described the scene as chaotic, with reporters being rushed to safety by Secret Service agents.
Public Safety Advisory
The Metropolitan Police Department advised the public to avoid the area around 17th and Pennsylvania avenues as the investigation continues. The incident has raised concerns about security measures in place around the White House, but officials have assured the public that the situation is under control.
Original reporting: Las Cruces Sun News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
