Two people have been left injured outside the White House following reports of dozens of gunshots near President Donald Trump’s official residence.
US Secret Service officials said they were aware of an incident taking place at 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW and was working alongside personnel on the ground.
Two people – a suspected gunman and a possible bystander – have been shot following an encounter with Secret Service officers, CNN has reported.
Both are said to have been rushed to hospital, with the suspected gunman believed to be in critical condition.
Sources told CBS News that the suspect allegedly opened fire towards Secret Service officers guarding the media entrance to the White House, with agents returning fire in response.
No law enforcement personnel are believed to have been injured during the exchange.
Between 20 and 30 shots are estimated to have been fired during the incident in total.
As the ordeal unfolded, reporters gathered inside the White House were ordered to “get down” by Secret Service agents as the presidential residence was placed into lockdown.
Mr Trump is believed to have been inside the White House at the time of the incident.
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed agents from the bureau were “supporting Secret Service responding to shots fired near White House grounds”.
He added: “We will update the public as we’re able.”
The lockdown was lifted by security services just after 6.45pm local time.
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