A gunman who opened fire on U.S. Secret Service officers outside the White House on Saturday evening (May 23) has died after being shot during the exchange.
The U.S. Secret Service confirmed in a statement to American media that a bystander was also struck in the shooting, although their condition was not immediately disclosed.
The incident triggered a major security response, with law enforcement and security agencies quickly flooding the area surrounding the White House.
At the time of the incident, U.S. President Donald Trump, 79, was inside the executive residence working on discussions related to a deal involving Iran.
According to authorities, the gunman approached the west side of the White House and fired three shots but did not manage to breach the security perimeter.
Secret Service personnel returned fire, striking the suspect, who was later taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Police immediately sealed off access to the White House, while National Guard troops were deployed to secure key entry points in downtown Washington.
The FBI said it was also on site assisting in the investigation into the shooting incident near the White House grounds.
Eyewitnesses described hearing what sounded like multiple explosions before realizing they were gunshots, causing panic and people fleeing the area.
Journalists stationed nearby were instructed to take cover as security forces moved in to secure the scene.
The incident comes amid heightened concerns over political violence in the United States, following several alleged assassination attempts involving President Trump in recent years.
