White House 'locked down' as Secret Service shoots man next to Washington Monument

The White House has been put into "lockdown" as the Secret Service has confirmed it has shot a man next to the Washington Monument.

The US Secret Service confirmed officers were on the scene of an officer-involved shooting in Washington in which one person was shot by law enforcement.

The area was placed on "lockdown" while emergency services hurried to the scene.

A spokesman said: "US Secret Service personnel are on the scene of an officer-involved shooting at 15th Street and Independence Avenue in Washington, DC.

"One individual was shot by law enforcement; their condition is currently unknown," the Secret Service added.

GB News' Ben Leo, who was live at the scene, reported: "White House is currently on lockdown after shots reportedly fired on the streets outside.

"President Trump is safe, currently in the East Room giving a talk on small business success.

"I’m in the East Room currently but other press are locked in the briefing room."

The top security agency instructed people to avoid the area in the city while emergency officers responded to the incident.

Reporters, who were previously on the north lawn outside the White House, have said they were ushered into the briefing room during the scare.

The incident unfolded around a mile away from the White House opposite the National Mall, which is home to a number of iconic monuments, including the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument.

Meanwhile, Mr Trump was delivering a speech at the Presidential Palace after meeting small business owners, joined by Small Business Administrator Kelly Loeffler.

LATEST US NEWS:

• 'FBI looking at connections': Mystery as 10 scientists linked to top secret research dead or missing
• US denies navy warship struck by two missiles in Strait of Hormuz
• Two US servicemen missing in Morocco during military training exercise

The chaotic event took place in Washington DC just a few days after a shooting in the vicinity of the White House Correspondents' Dinner took place.

Just over a week ago, Mr Trump was rushed out of a White House event by Secret Service agents after a gunman attempted to storm the venue.

As the President appeared to be speaking at his table, several loud bangs were suddenly heard, prompting an immediate response from armed agents.

Secret Service officers swarmed the area, some carrying machine guns, shouting "stay down, stay down" as they secured the scene.

The President was quickly rushed out of the Washington Hilton dining hall alongside First Lady Melania Trump.

A suspected gunman who opened fire during the dinner has since been charged with attempted assassination.

He was also charged with the discharge of a firearm during a crime of violence, and the transportation of a firearm and ammunition through interstate commerce with intent to commit a felony.

Cole Thomas Allen faces life in prison over the alleged attack if found guilty, a judge said during court proceedings.