Washington, May 24 (). According to American media reports, the US Secret Service evacuated the North Lawn of the White House after gunshots were reportedly heard near the White House complex on Saturday evening.
After the sound of gunshots was heard, the journalists present in the complex were immediately instructed to go to the press briefing room of the White House. At the same time, security personnel started securing the area.
After this incident, the streets around the White House were filled with many police officers and personnel of law enforcement agencies.
According to a statement issued by the US Secret Service, the shooting occurred shortly after 6 pm (ET) near the corner of 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest, just outside the White House complex.
Officials said a person approached the security checkpoint. He took out a weapon from his bag and started firing at the officers posted there.
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that federal agents were assisting in the rescue and investigation. In a post on X, he said that an FBI team is present at the scene and is assisting the Secret Service in the shooting incident near the White House. “We will update the public as soon as we have more information,” he said.
Eyewitnesses and media persons said that during those moments of chaos they heard several rounds of bullets. According to local media, dozens of gunshots were heard in the area before police secured the scene.
The White House was placed on lockdown immediately after the shooting, while heavily armed officers and emergency rescue teams cordoned off surrounding streets and checkpoints.
According to media reports, US President Donald Trump was reportedly present inside the White House at the time of the incident and was working on efforts related to negotiations with Iran.
Officials said that investigation into the firing incident has been started. Security agencies are keeping an eye on the situation. At the same time, officials are trying to find out the motive behind the incident.
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PSK/AS
