WASHINGTON — The White House experienced a brief lockdown Saturday evening following nearby gunfire that injured at least two individuals. Law enforcement officials, who were briefed on the event, reported that one person is in critical condition, while the identity of the second individual remains uncertain as either a suspect or a bystander.
Investigations revealed engagement between the U.S. Secret Service and the suspect, with the suspect being shot at by the agents, according to information from senior officials. The Secret Service has indicated that none of its agents were harmed during the incident.
Secret Service communicated on platform X about the reports of gunfire near 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW, stating efforts to verify the details with officers on site.
An NBC News team present at the White House reported hearing between 20 and 30 shots at approximately 6:04 p.m. Secret Service agents instructed reporters from the North Lawn to move into the press briefing room for safety. At that time, armed Secret Service personnel were stationed outside the room. The lockdown, encompassing the White House grounds, concluded at 6:46 p.m.
FBI Director Kash Patel mentioned on platform X that the FBI is assisting the Secret Service on site.
President Donald Trump was at the White House during the incident. Vice President JD Vance was there earlier but his current status, whether he remained or had departed, is unverified.
Efforts to obtain commentary from the U.S. Capitol Police proved unsuccessful at the moment. New information is expected as the situation progresses.
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