A shooting incident near 15th Street and Independence Avenue in Washington, D.C., prompted a temporary lockdown of the White House on Monday, shortly before a scheduled press briefing by President Donald Trump.
Reporters at the scene said the incident occurred just moments before the president was due to address journalists.
According to Susan Crabtree of RealClearPolitics, Secret Service officers opened fire on a man they believed may have been armed near the White House grounds.
“When the @SecretService officers confronted the man, it went sideways, and they ended up shooting him,” Crabtree wrote on X.
The U.S. Secret Service later confirmed that law enforcement officers were involved in the shooting and said the condition of the individual shot was still unknown.
“One individual was shot by law enforcement; their condition is currently unknown. Please avoid the area as emergency crews are responding,” the agency said in a statement.
Journalists covering the event were quickly moved from their positions. CNBC photojournalist Megan Cassell said press members were evacuated and relocated to a secure area.
“We’re now gathering in the briefing room. No indication as to what’s going on,” Cassell said, alongside images showing reporters gathered together.
Al Jazeera reporter Alan Fisher later reported that the security alert had been lifted and journalists were returned to the White House briefing room.
Authorities have not yet released details about the suspect or a possible motive.
The incident occurred just weeks after another security scare involving a gunman targeting President Trump during the White House Correspondents’ dinner period. The suspect, identified as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen, has since been charged with terrorism-related offences.
