Gunman shot dead outside White House after opening fire near Donald Trump's official residence

A suspected gunman has died after opening fire near the White House, triggering a lockdown at President Donald Trump's official residence.

US Secret Service officials confirmed an incident unfolded near 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW, with agents responding alongside emergency personnel.

Two people - a suspected gunman and an innocent bystander - were shot after Secret Service officers were confronted by an armed individual.

Both were rushed to hospital, where the suspect later died.

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The gunman allegedly opened fire towards officers guarding the media entrance to the White House before agents returned fire.

No law enforcement personnel are believed to have been injured during the exchange.

Between 20 and 30 shots are estimated to have been fired during the incident.

As the ordeal unfolded, reporters gathered inside the White House were ordered to "get down" by Secret Service agents after the presidential residence was placed into lockdown.

Mr Trump is believed to have been inside the White House at the time of the shooting.

FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed bureau agents were "supporting Secret Service responding to shots fired near White House grounds".

He added: "We will update the public as we’re able."

The lockdown was lifted shortly after 6.45pm local time.

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ABC News’ chief White House correspondent Selina Wang shared a video on social media showing the moment she was forced to duck for cover after shots rang out nearby.

She wrote: “I was in the middle of taping on my iPhone for a social video from the White House North Lawn when we heard the shots.

"It sounded like dozens of gunshots. We were told to sprint to the press briefing room where we are holding now."

The Secret Service has released a statement in response to the shooting, which read: "Shortly after 6pm Saturday an individual in the area on 17th street and Pennsylvania Avenue pulled a weapon from his bag and began firing.

"Secret Service police returned fire striking the suspect who was transported to an area hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

"During the shooting one bystander was also struck by gunfire.

"No injuries were sustained by officers. The President was in the White House during the incident, however no protectees or operations were impacted.

"This incident remains under investigation and additional information will be released as it becomes available."

__The incident comes just weeks after Mr Trump was forced to evacuate after a gunman opened fire outside the White House Correspondents' Dinner at the Washington Hilton.

Cole Tomas Allen, 31, has been charged in connection with the shooting, which allegedly targeted members of the Trump administration.

A manifesto attributed to the suspect reportedly criticised policies of the US Government, with Mr Allen allegedly referring to himself as the "Friendly Federal Assassin".

He has since been charged with attempting to assassinate the President, alongside several other offences including transporting a firearm across state lines to commit a felony and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence.

Mr Allen is facing a possible life sentence.

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