“Whether it was directed at the president or not, I don’t know, but we’ll find out,” said deputy director of the U.S. Secret Service
The deputy director of the United States Secret Service, , told journalists that he will investigate the armed man who near the White House, in Washington DC, on Monday afternoon (May 4).
The incident occurred at the same time that the President of the United States (Republican Party) was participating in an event with small business owners inside the presidential residence, which continued normally.
According to , when asked by journalists whether the incident was linked to “other recent attacks” against President Trump’s life, Quinn responded: “Whether it was directed at the president or not, I don’t know, but we’ll find out”.
The deputy director of the Secret Service said a gun was recovered at the scene of the shooting, but did not provide further details. The Washington Police Department will be responsible for the investigation.
According to Quinn, the man was a “suspicious individual who appeared to have a firearm”. He was not on White House property but ran after being approached by Secret Service agents. He then shot towards them, who retaliated.
The suspect was hit and later hospitalized. His health status and identity have not yet been released.
The delegation of the Vice President of the United States, (Republican Party), passed through the area “a little before” of the incident, but there is no indication that the suspect intended to approach him, Quinn said.
Shortly after the shooting, the Secret Service asked people to avoid the area while emergency crews responded to the incident.
Images posted on social media show journalists running from the White House’s north lawn into the building as a precaution, after the shots were fired.
🚨 WATCH: Journalists being rushed off the North Lawn into briefing room as precaution after Secret Service shot someone with a gun near the White House
— Alec Lace (@AlecLace)
The incident takes place just over 1 week after tried to break into a in which the president and journalists covering the White House were present. The event was canceled after shots were fired outside the hall. A security officer was seriously injured. The Secret Service hurriedly removed Trump from the dinner.
Here is the full press release from the Secret Service:
“U.S. Secret Service agents are on the scene of an officer-involved shooting at 15th Street and Independence Avenue in Washington, D.C. One individual was shot by police; its status is currently unknown. Please avoid the area while emergency crews are responding..
“There will be a press conference at 15th and Jefferson soon.
“The incident resulted from a confrontation between an armed individual and Secret Service Police.”.
