Top News

Washington, May 24. An attacker who opened fire near the White House on Saturday evening was killed by Secret Service officers in return fire. A passerby was also injured in this firing. At that time US President Donald Trump was present in the White House and he is completely safe. The incident occurred around 6 p.m. Saturday near 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW, an area close to the White House and the Eisenhower Executive Office Building.

“At approximately 6 p.m. Saturday, a man pulled a handgun from his bag near 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue and began firing,” Secret Service Chief of Communications Anthony Guglielmi said in the statement. The Secret Service said its officers returned fire, shooting the attacker. He was taken to the hospital, where doctors declared him dead. The statement also said that a civilian was also injured by the bullet during the firing.

However, the officers were not injured. So far the authorities have not revealed the identity of the attacker or the reason behind the attack. No official information was given about the condition of the injured pedestrian. The agency said Trump was present at the White House at the time of the incident. “The President was at the White House, but this incident had no impact on his security or official business,” the statement said.

After the incident, the entire White House complex was locked down for some time. Armed Secret Service officers deployed to the North Lawn and security teams quickly herded journalists and staff into the press briefing room. According to CNN, the journalists present there were asked to remain at their places. Agents were continuously giving warnings like ‘bend down’ and ‘shooting is going on’

Journalists present near the White House said that they heard several consecutive gunshots. Alison Robert, a photographer for The New York Times, said “about 20 to 30 shots” were heard outside the press room. “Journalists heard gunshots outside and then the Secret Service quickly herded everyone inside,” he said in a text message. ABC News correspondent Selina Wang also mentioned the fear and chaos after the incident.

She wrote on the social media platform

FBI Director Kash Patel said that the bureau is also helping in the investigation. Patel wrote on The Secret Service said the investigation is ongoing and more information will be shared at a later date.

Multiple agencies including the FBI, the Metropolitan Police Department, and the National Guard responded to the scene, while roads around the White House were closed for several hours. The incident comes less than a month after the shooting that also marred the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner in Washington. Journalists, lawmakers and many senior administration officials were present in that program.