A gunman has been brought down by Secret Service agents after firing shots in the direction of the White House, as reported by Fox News correspondent Chad Pergram.
The situation escalated around 6:04 p.m. Eastern Time, coinciding with live reports being made from the North Lawn, located close to where the shots were fired at the intersection of 17th Street NW and Pennsylvania Avenue NW.
Pergram noted that the shooter approached a security checkpoint with a handgun but did not breach it. He then discharged multiple rounds towards Secret Service agents stationed at the perimeter, who responded with immediate gunfire.
The assailant was struck by the returning fire and transported to a local hospital, where his condition has been reported as critical. Additionally, a bystander was injured, although their status remains unclear at this time.
President Donald Trump and key members of his administration, currently engaged in discussions related to the Iran conflict, were confirmed to be safe shortly after the incident. The lockdown at the White House was lifted at approximately 6:46 p.m. Eastern Time.
FBI Director Kash Patel stated, “FBI is on the scene and assisting the Secret Service in their response to the shots fired near the White House. Updates will be provided to the public as more information becomes available.” No law enforcement personnel reported injuries during the incident.
Selina Wang, a Senior White House Correspondent for ABC News, was filming a social video when the gunfire erupted. Raw footage captured by her shows her mid-sentence as the shots are heard, prompting her and her team to seek shelter.
Wang later recounted on social media, “I was in the middle of taping on my iPhone for a social video from the White House North Lawn when we heard the shots. It sounded like dozens of gunshots. We were instructed to rush to the press briefing room, where we are now safe.”
As of this time, President Trump has not released a statement regarding the occurrence. Updates will follow as they emerge.
