The United States Secret Service announced on Monday that its agents encountered a suspicious and armed individual near the White House. According to the agency, the person in question was shot by agents after firing at security personnel and attempting to flee.
The incident briefly placed the White House under lockdown. Security officials said the purpose of the measure was to ensure the safety of the area and assess the situation.
Matthew Quinn stated at a press conference that agents patrolling the exterior of the White House identified an individual who “appeared suspicious and was apparently carrying a firearm.”
According to Quinn, the individual briefly fled on foot as the agents approached and then opened fire on them. He added that security forces returned fire, and the suspect was transported to a hospital after being wounded.
Quinn also noted that the JD Vance motorcade had passed through the area shortly before the incident, but there is no evidence that the suspect intended to approach the motorcade.
He continued, saying that a teenage passerby was also injured by the suspect’s gunfire, but the injuries are not life-threatening, and the teenager is receiving treatment at a hospital.
Security officials stated that forces stationed in Washington, D.C., have been on full alert in recent days following a shooting incident at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner late last month.
Writer:Salima Aryaei
