ADDS DETAILS; CHANGES HEADLINE, LEDE
By Diyar Guldogan
WASHINGTON (AA) - At least two people, including the suspect, were shot near the White House after gunfire erupted Saturday, officials said, according to media reports.
Federal law enforcement agencies responded after reports of shots fired near the White House grounds, prompting an active investigation in Washington, DC.
Reports said one person is in serious condition, citing officials.
'FBI is on the scene and supporting Secret Service responding to shots fired near White House grounds - we will update the public as we're able,' FBI chief Kash Patel wrote on US social media company X.
The US Secret Service confirmed it was aware of reports involving gunfire near 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW, close to the White House complex.
'We are aware of reports of shots fired near 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW and are working to corroborate the information with personnel on the ground,' it said.
Fox News reported that a gunman approached the White House near Gate 17 around 6 pm local time (1000GMT) and fired three shots toward the building, and Secret Service agents returned fire, taking him down.
A civilian was also hit during the exchange, said Fox News, adding that officials said the suspect never breached the White House perimeter.
President Donald Trump is 'safe,' according to Fox News.
The DC Police Department said the Secret Service is working on the incident at the intersection of 17th and Pennsylvania Avenue, Northwest, and cautioned anyone to avoid the area.
A lockdown at the White House was later lifted.
Anadolu has reached out to the US Secret Service for details.
