A gunman has killed himself outside the White House, the Secret Service has confirmed.
The Secret Service attended reports at around 12pm local time “of a person who allegedly suffered a self-inflicted gun shot wound along the north fence line of the White House”. The surrounding area was cordoned off by police and the White House was put into lockdown as the incident unfolded.
In a statement, the Secret Service said that the gunman “removed a concealed handgun and fired several rounds, none of which appear at this time to have been directed towards the White House.
“The President and First Lady were not in the White House at the time of the incident.”
Journalists sheltered in the press briefing room at the White House during the incident.
BREAKING: We’re sheltering in place at the White House briefing room. A report of “shots fired” near North Lawn, per a U.S. Secret Service agent. Trying to learn more.
— Geoff Bennett (@GeoffRBennett) 3 March 2018
The emergency response still unfolding outside the White House North Lawn. Cones and caution tape cordon off the area where the apparent shooting took place. pic.twitter.com/gWfh2Eboff
— Geoff Bennett (@GeoffRBennett) 3 March 2018
U.S. President Donald Trump was briefed following the security lockdown at the White House. President Trump, who was in his estate in Florida when the incident unfolded, is due back in Washington for a dinner this evening.
Disturbances such as these at the White House are not particularly uncommon. Numerous attempts have been made by people to jump over fences around the building in recent months.
