Gunfire targets Trump near white house, suspect killed in shootout

ALBAWABA – A shooting near the White House caused a massive security response in Washington Saturday evening when a man with a gun began firing at a security checkpoint and was subsequently shot and killed by U.S. Secret Service officials.

Authorities say the guy approached the White House security perimeter, took a gun from a bag and opened fire several times. Secret Service agents moved quickly, shooting and killing the gunman in the melee.

U.S. President Donald Trump was not injured in the incident, officials said. However, one person was claimed to have been hurt and taken to receive medical treatment. No Secret Service injuries were reported.

The incident led to an immediate lockdown around the White House complex, with police blocking off surrounding streets and security forces boosting their presence across the area. Emergency personnel took up positions and journalists and others were told to take cover.

Later the suspect was identified as a 21-year-old Maryland resident who purportedly has a documented history of mental health concerns, as well as previous confrontations with law enforcement. Authorities are investigating a possible motivation for the attack and whether the White House itself was the target.

President Trump applauded the actions of federal officials, calling the suspect a guy with a history of violent conduct and applauding security professionals for what he termed their quick and professional work.

Witnesses near the scene told reporters they heard a fast flash of gunshots, then panic as people ran. Some of the witnesses first thought the sounds were fireworks before discovering they were the shots fired.

The event has once again raised concerns about security threats to important political people. It comes as the US faces a renewed discussion over political violence and the security of government institutions following a series of high-profile threats and attempted attacks targeting Trump in recent years.

Federal authorities have opened a wide-ranging probe into the incident amid lingering doubts about the suspect’s motives and how he was able to get so close to the tightly secured location before firing. 
 

المصدر: Al Bawaba