Law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and Secret Service, descend upon the White House following gunfire reports

A substantial presence of Federal Bureau of Investigation, FBI, Secret Service, and police personnel has been deployed to the scene after shots were fired in the vicinity of the White House.

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On Saturday evening, police and security forces converged on the area surrounding the White House in response to reports of shots fired, as confirmed by AFP journalists who were present at the scene.

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At the time of the incident, US President Donald Trump was at the White House, engaged in efforts to negotiate a deal with Iran.

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Law enforcement officials cordoned off access to the White House, while National Guard troops blocked an AFP reporter from entering the area, restricting movement and access.

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Journalists who were on the North Lawn at the time of the incident reported being ordered to run and seek shelter in the White House press briefing room, as recounted by those who were present on X.

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Several journalists at the White House reported hearing the sound of possible gunshots in the nearby area, according to eyewitness accounts and reports from the BBC.

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Footage shared by ABC News correspondent Selina Wang showed her taking cover as a series of loud bangs could be heard ringing out across the White House's north lawn, capturing the intense moment.

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The origin of the apparent shots and the potential threat level remain unclear at this time, as investigations are ongoing to determine the source and circumstances of the incident.

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ABC News correspondent Selina Wang described the scene, writing on X, "We were told to sprint to the press briefing room where we are holding now," as she and others sought safety.

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The BBC has reached out to the Secret Service, the White House, and local police for comment and information regarding the incident.

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Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi stated in a statement to CBS News that the agency is aware of "reports of shots fired near 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW" and is working to verify the information with personnel on the ground.

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According to CNN, two individuals were shot and wounded in an encounter with Secret Service near the White House on Saturday, with the incident occurring near the intersection of Pennsylvania Avenue and 17th Street Northwest.

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Law enforcement officials reported that officers from the Secret Service's uniformed division responded to a report of a person firing a weapon, which led to the incident.

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FBI Director Kash Patel announced on X that the agency "is on the scene and supporting Secret Service responding to shots fired near White House grounds – we will update the public as we're able," as the investigation unfolds.

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This incident occurs less than a month after the White House Correspondents' Dinner, where a similar incident took place, with reporters and Trump administration officials seeking cover as shots rang out.

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The suspect in the previous shooting, Cole Tomas Allen, had sprinted through a security checkpoint with a shotgun, exchanging fire with Secret Service agents, and has since pleaded not guilty to attempting to assassinate Trump and other charges.