In a concerning incident on Saturday afternoon, a gunman opened fire near the White House in Washington, D.C., leading to a temporary lockdown of the area. The U.S. Secret Service responded promptly to the threat, engaging with the suspect who reportedly fired approximately three shots toward the executive mansion.

Incident Details

The shooting occurred around 6 p.m. local time near 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW. According to a senior administration official, Secret Service agents returned fire, and a civilian on the street was unfortunately shot during the exchange. The condition of the civilian remains unknown at this time.

Despite the alarming situation, the suspect did not breach the general perimeter of the White House grounds, and all members of the Secret Service were reported safe. Witnesses in the vicinity reported hearing as many as 30 shots in the direction of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building.

Response and Investigation

FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that FBI agents are on the scene, supporting the Secret Service in their response to the shots fired near the White House grounds. During the incident, Secret Service agents instructed reporters to take cover and subsequently moved them to the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room in the West Wing for safety.

Secret Service agents were observed on the grounds with their weapons drawn, ensuring the security of the area. The lockdown was lifted after the situation was brought under control.

Context and Developments

This incident occurred just hours after President Donald Trump announced that his administration was close to finalizing a deal to end the war with Iran. At the time of the shooting, the President was in the Oval Office.

The situation remains under investigation, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.