Sounds of gunfire were heard near the White House on Saturday, following which secret service personnel were seen present at the complex.
The incident took place at the corner of 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest, which is just outside the White House complex, a US Secret Service official told CNN.
The official said the agency was aware of the reports of gunshots being heard and had launched an investigation, also triggering a lockdown. According to CNN, dozens of gunshots were heard. A large police presence was seen at the site of the incident thereafter, AFP reported. US President Donald Trump was at the White House at the time, as he worked to reach an agreement with Iran.
Police cordoned off access, reporters told to shelter in place
After the incident, police cordoned off access to the White House, with the National Guard troops blocking an AFP reporter from entering the area, the agency reported.
Meanwhile, reporters who were present on the North Lawn at the time of the gunfire were ordered to run and shelter in the White House press briefing room, journalists said on X. Inside the White House, the reporters were told to shelter in place. US Secret Service agents directed them to “get down” and warned of “shots fired”, CNN reported.
