Secret Service agent kills gunman at White House checkpoint

US Secret Service Officers Engage in Gunfire Exchange at White House Checkpoint

A shooting incident occurred on Saturday evening near a Secret Service checkpoint outside the White House, resulting in one fatality and an injured bystander. According to official statements from the Secret Service, a suspect approached the checkpoint around 6pm local time, pulled a weapon from his bag, and began firing at officers posted there.

The agents responded with gunfire, striking the man who was later pronounced dead at a nearby hospital. The White House was immediately placed under lockdown, while President Donald Trump was inside the building and not harmed. No Secret Service personnel were injured in the incident.

A preliminary investigation by the Secret Service indicated that the suspect had concealed his weapon in a bag before drawing it at the checkpoint. The agency confirmed that the suspect had recently been issued a stay-away order, which he had ignored.

The White House Director of Communications posted on social media that President Trump was “working” and expressed confidence in the security measures in place. FBI Director Kash Patel stated that his agency was supporting the Secret Service investigation, while Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin said he would issue a statement soon.

Police cordoned off the surrounding area, and National Guard troops blocked reporters from approaching the scene. The incident is being investigated by the Secret Service, with the identity of the suspect and his motive yet to be released.

Source: Al Jazeera