Fox News has learned a male gunman armed with a pistol opened fire Saturday afternoon near the White House in Washington, D.C., engaging with the U.S. Secret Service.
Fox News Chief congressional correspondent Chad Pergram reported that at about 6 p.m. local time, a gunman fired about three shots toward the executive mansion and Secret Service agents returned fire, according to a senior administration official with direct knowledge of the incident.
The shooting unfolded near 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW, prompting a lockdown that was later lifted, according to the Secret Service.
A nearby civilian on the street was shot in the exchange, and their condition is unknown, the senior official said.
As many as 30 shots were reportedly heard in the direction of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building.
The senior official said the suspect never got inside the general perimeter of the White House grounds.
All members of the Secret Service were reported safe.
FBI Director Kash Patel said his agency’s agents are at the scene and “supporting Secret Service responding to shots fired near White House grounds.”
Secret Service agents were heard telling reporters to “get down,” before the press were ushered into the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room in the West Wing.
Secret Service agents were seen on the grounds with their weapons drawn.
Hours before the alleged gunfire rang out, President Donald Trump announced the administration was close to finalizing a deal to end the war with Iran, noting he was in the White House Oval Office.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
