Shooting near the White House; Secret Service agents have shot an armed man
On Monday afternoon, near the Washington Monument, US Secret Service agents opened fire on an armed man who began returning fire during an attempt to apprehend him, according to the NY Times.
The incident took place near the junction of 15th Street Southwest and Independence Avenue. According to service representatives, officers noticed a man who appeared suspicious and was likely carrying a weapon.
As the agents approached, the man began to flee, drew a weapon and opened fire. In response, the agents returned fire and wounded him. The man was taken to hospital; his condition is unknown. A firearm was found at the scene.
A 15-year-old teenager was also injured during the shootout. He was taken to hospital with a non-life-threatening injury. According to preliminary reports, the injury may have been inflicted by the attacker himself, though this is being investigated.
None of the law enforcement officers were injured.
Secret Service officials stated that there is no indication that the incident was linked to the White House or directed against it. President Donald Trump was at the White House at the time of the incident and was not in danger.
Shortly before the shooting, Vice President JD Vance’s motorcade had passed through the area. There are no indications that the incident was directed against the motorcade.
Following the shooting, law enforcement officers cordoned off a large section of the streets in the area. Numerous police and National Guard units were deployed at the scene. The investigation is ongoing.
