A serious shooting occurred near the White House when a man drew a gun and opened fire on security forces at a checkpoint near Pennsylvania Avenue. The suspect was later shot down and died in the hospital, according to a statement from the US Secret Service.
According to information posted by the US Secret Service on social networks, the incident occurred on the evening of May 23 (local time) in the intersection of 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, near the White House. A man approached a security checkpoint, then pulled out a gun from his pocket and fired at officers on duty.
Security forces immediately responded with firepower. US Secret Service said that officers shot down the suspect in the shootout right at the scene. The suspect was taken to the hospital for emergency treatment but did not survive.
In another announcement quoted by many US media outlets, the US Secret Service confirmed that a passerby was also shot in the incident. However, the extent of the victim's injuries has not been announced.
Authorities said it is not yet possible to determine whether the bullet that injured passersby was fired from the suspect or from security forces during the shootout.
A US law enforcement official shared with the press that the suspect was identified as a person with signs of psychological instability. According to this source, the man had previously been subject to "contact ban", but did not provide further details about the content of this measure.
US Secret Service confirmed that no law enforcement officers were injured in the shooting. After the incident occurred, security forces quickly cordoned off the surrounding area to serve the investigation.
