Gunman Opens Fire Near White House, Killed by Secret Service
A gunman fired at Secret Service officers near the White House on Saturday evening and was fatally shot in return. A bystander was also wounded in the incident.
Incident Near White House Security Checkpoint
A man took a gun out of a bag and fired a volley of shots near the White House on Saturday evening before being shot and fatally wounded by U.S. Secret Service police officers, the Secret Service said in a statement. A bystander was also struck by gunfire, the statement said, though it did not give details on the nature or severity of the injuries.
Response and Security
A bystander was also wounded, but no Secret Service officers were injured, officials said. President Trump was in the White House at the time of the incident. The incident occurred at a posted security checkpoint on the north lawn of the White House compound.
Ongoing Investigation
The suspect began shooting at posted officers, who returned fire and hit the shooter, the Secret Service said. A bystander was also shot, a law enforcement official said, but it's unclear by whom. Law enforcement officials are investigating the shooter's identity and motive. No preliminary information suggests a connection to organized groups or terrorism.
Context
The incident marks another chapter in a concerning trend of security incidents near the nation's capital. The Secret Service has increased vigilance following multiple prior incidents, and this event once again highlights the ongoing security challenges protecting the president and federal installations.