Suspect dead, bystander wounded after exchange of gunfire near White House: Secret Service

Washington– The Secret Service said officers shot and killed an armed man who opened fire at a White House checkpoint on Saturday evening.

The Secret Service said a bystander was also shot in the incident, but it was not immediately clear what caused the shooting.

The Secret Service said the unidentified man went to the checkpoint in the area of ​​17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW around 6 p.m., pulled a weapon from his bag and began shooting at officers stationed at the scene.

The Secret Service said in a statement: “Secret Service police officers returned fire, wounding the suspect, who was transported to an area hospital, where he later died.”

A bystander, who was nearby, was shot during the incident, according to the Secret Service.

“It remains unclear whether a bystander was struck by the suspect’s gunfire initially or during the subsequent exchange of gunfire,” the Secret Service said.

There was no immediate news about the condition of the bystanders.

No Secret Service personnel were injured during the incident, which is still under investigation.

At the time of the shooting, Trump was in the Oval Office working with aides Steven Cheung, Natalie Harp, Margo Martin and others, according to a White House official.

Selena Wang, an ABC News anchor, was filming a clip for social media at the White House when she apparently heard gunshots. She and the crew quickly retreated for cover.

FBI Director Kash Patel said in a post on X that the agency is at the scene and is assisting the Secret Service.

“We will update the public as much as we can,” Patel said.

When gunfire rang out, reporters were told to quickly run to the White House press briefing room.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.