Secret Service officer fatally shoots gunman at White House checkpoint

A shooting incident occurred near a White House security checkpoint on Saturday, resulting in one fatality and an injury to a bystander. According to the Secret Service, a man approached the checkpoint at 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, pulled out a weapon from his bag, and began firing at officers posted there.

The agency confirmed that the suspect had concealed his firearm in a bag before drawing it, prompting agents to return fire. The man was struck by gunfire and later pronounced dead at a nearby hospital. A bystander was also hit during the incident, although it is unclear whether they were injured by the initial shots or during the subsequent exchange.

US President Donald Trump was inside the White House at the time of the shooting but was not harmed. The White House was placed under lockdown, and no Secret Service personnel were injured in the incident.

The suspect had recently been issued a stay-away order, which he ignored before approaching the area where the checkpoint is located. The Secret Service has confirmed that an investigation into the incident is ongoing, with the FBI providing support to the agency.

Multiple officials have expressed concern about the increasing frequency of such incidents, including House Republicans and the White House communications director. The identity of the suspect and his motive remain unknown, pending further investigation.

Source: Al Jazeera