Shooting suspect killed near the White House - reports

The suspect in a shooting near the White House has died after being shot by police officers, according to the US Secret Service (USSS).

The USSS said a man approached a White House security checkpoint shortly after 6pm local time (11pm UK time).

"A preliminary investigation indicates that as the individual approached, he removed a weapon from his bag and began firing at posted officers," it said in a statement shared by NBC News.

"Secret Service police officers returned fire, striking the suspect, who was transported to an area hospital, where he later died.

"During the shooting, a bystander was also struck by gunfire. It remains unclear whether the bystander was struck by the suspect's initial gunfire or during the subsequent exchange of gunfire."

It said the officers involved were not harmed and that the incident was still under investigation.

President Donald Trump, who has been briefed on the incident, was inside the White House at the time.

The update comes after NBC News said its White House team of reporters heard between 20 and 30 gunshots while they were gathered on the north lawn at approximately 6.04pm local time.

They were rushed inside the White House's press briefing room by Secret Service agents as the building was put on lockdown, before the restrictions were lifted around 40 minutes later.

FBI director Kash Patel said officers were responding to shots fired and that they would "update the public as we're able".

The Secret Service said on X that it was "aware of reports of shots fired near 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW" - where the checkpoint is located - and was "working to corroborate the information with personnel on the ground".

Crime scene tape has laid across the pavement where the gunfire occurred and officers with the USSS have placed dozens of orange evidence markers on the ground.

Medical material, including what appears to be purple surgical gloves and kits typically used by emergency medical personnel, have also been seen.

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(c) Sky News 2026: Shooting suspect killed near the White House - reports