Armed Man Shot by US Secret Service Near White House

An armed man was shot by agents of the United States Secret Service (USSS) in downtown Washington on Monday after being identified as a security threat, officials said.

The incident briefly triggered a lockdown near the White House.

According to Secret Service Deputy Director Matthew Quinn, the shooting occurred close to the National Mall shortly after a motorcade carrying US Vice President JD Vance had passed through the area.

Quinn said there was no immediate indication that the vice president was the intended target and declined to speculate on whether the incident could be linked to recent threats against President Donald Trump, saying investigators would determine the facts.

Police officials inspect the crime scene following an exchange of gunfire by the US Secret Service and a gunman on the National Mall in Washington. -AFP — Police officials inspect the crime scene following an exchange of gunfire by the US Secret Service and a gunman on the National Mall in Washington. Credit: NST.

“I’m not going to guess on that,” he said. “Whether or not it was directed to the president or not, I don’t know, but we will find out.”

He explained that agents had approached a man they considered suspicious and believed to be carrying a firearm.

The individual reportedly fled on foot, drew his weapon, and opened fire, prompting agents to return fire.

The suspect was taken to hospital, though his condition had not yet been confirmed.

Authorities also said a nearby juvenile bystander sustained a minor injury during the incident.

The incident unfolded less than two weeks after another attempted breach of security after a gunman tried to break through security at a Washington hotel where Trump was attending an event.

Cole Allen, 31, has been charged with seeking to assassinate the president.