Washington: The US Secret Service on Monday confirmed that its personnel shot an armed individual following a shooting incident near the White House, and urged the public to avoid the area while emergency teams responded.

In a statement posted on X, the agency’s Office of Communications said, “US Secret Service personnel are on the scene of an officer-involved shooting at 15th Street and Independence Avenue in Washington, DC. One individual was shot by law enforcement; their condition is currently unknown. Please avoid the area as emergency crews are responding.”

According to Fox News, Secret Service officers opened fire on an armed person after an encounter unfolded close to 15th Street and Independence Avenue, located just over half a mile from the White House and in the vicinity of the Washington Monument.

Citing a federal source, Fox News reported that officers from the Secret Service Uniformed Division engaged the suspect after the individual allegedly drew a firearm.

Officials describe sequence of events

During a press briefing, Deputy Director Matt Quinn stated that a juvenile bystander was injured in the incident.

He explained, “My understanding is they observed a print,” adding, “These are trained surveillance detection personnel out there looking every day to look for just that... and they observed a visual print of a firearm.”

He further said, “Upon making contact, that individual fled briefly on foot, withdrew a firearm and fired in the direction of our agents and officers. They returned fire and engaged.”

Child injured, suspect taken to hospital

Quinn confirmed that the child who was struck “did not sustain any life-threatening injuries” and is currently receiving treatment at a hospital.

Shooting near JD Vance’s motorcade? 
He also mentioned that Vice President JD Vance’s motorcade had passed through the area shortly before the shooting. Although, he clarified that there was no connection between the two events, claims linking the shooting to JD Vance’s motorcade are not accurate.

The US Secret Service later clarified that the incident occurred only minutes after the motorcade had already passed through the area.

Officials also stated that there is no evidence to suggest the suspect was attempting to get close to Vance’s convoy. However, reports of the shooting still raised concerns regarding the Vice President’s safety.

When asked whether the suspect may have been targeting President Donald Trump, Quinn declined to make assumptions. “I can't say, I'm not going to guess on that,” he said.

“I can tell you that every time we're patrolling this area. In every site, we do 24/7, hardcore, whether or not it was directed to the president or not, I don't know. But we will find out.”

Investigation underway

Fox News further reported that the suspect is believed to be alive and was transported to hospital for treatment. Authorities said the situation was brought under control swiftly and there is no immediate evidence of any wider threat.

The Metropolitan Police Department confirmed that it is investigating the matter and has secured the area. Officials have also advised the public to stay away due to expected road closures.

Agency inputs