WASHINGTON — A gunman was shot and killed by Secret Service agents near the White House on Sunday after opening fire in the area. A bystander was also struck during the incident. President Donald Trump was inside the White House at the time and was safe and unharmed, the Secret Service confirmed.
The incident occurred in the vicinity of the White House complex in Washington DC. Secret Service agents responded immediately and engaged the gunman. The suspect was fatally shot. Law enforcement agencies sealed off the surrounding area as a precautionary measure while investigators assessed the scene.
A Secret Service spokesperson said there was no immediate threat to the President or other protectees at the time of the incident. The spokesperson said the Secret Service’s protective protocols worked as designed and that the situation was resolved quickly.
The bystander who was struck was taken to a nearby hospital. Details about the severity of their injuries were not immediately available. Law enforcement said they would provide an update once a full assessment was completed.
Security Around the White House
The White House and its surrounding area are among the most heavily guarded locations in the world. Security perimeters, surveillance systems, and uniformed and plainclothes officers maintain constant vigilance. Sunday’s incident is one of the rare occasions when a direct security threat has materialised in the immediate vicinity of the presidential residence.
The identity and motive of the gunman were not immediately released. Law enforcement said they are working to identify the individual and establish what prompted the attack. Investigators said they found documents and personal items on the scene that may shed light on the suspect’s background and intentions.
The incident prompted heightened security reviews across several US federal facilities. The US Capitol Police and other law enforcement agencies coordinating with the Secret Service said they would assess whether additional security measures are needed in the wake of the shooting.
Global Reactions
International governments expressed relief that Trump was unharmed. Several heads of state, including allies in Europe and Africa, issued brief statements expressing solidarity with the United States following the security incident.
Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on Monday wishing the US government and people well following the White House security incident. The statement expressed Nigeria’s commitment to the bilateral relationship and support for international norms against political violence.
The White House resumed normal operations following the incident. The President’s schedule was not disrupted according to a spokesperson. US law enforcement said they are conducting a thorough investigation and will release more details about the suspect and the circumstances of the attack as the inquiry progresses.
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