White House placed in lockdown, reporters duck as shots fired outside

Washington: The White House was placed into lockdown as “dozens” of gunshots rang out near the premises, forcing reporters on the front lawn to duck for cover and the Secret Service to secure the property.

The incident occurred on Saturday afternoon (Washington time) as President Donald Trump and other senior officials were inside the building, dealing with the unfolding situation in Iran.

Dramatic video showed ABC News America reporter Selina Wang ducking for cover on the North Lawn of the White House as several loud bangs rang out while she was on air.

Journalists were locked inside the press briefing room during the lockdown, with Secret Service patrolling the grounds outside. The lockdown was later lifted, indicating the urgent threat had subsided.

Washington police said the Secret Service was handling an incident at the intersection of Pennsylvania Avenue and 17th Street, which is in the north-west corner of the White House precinct, beside the Eisenhower Executive Office Building.

The Secret Service also said it was aware of reports of gunshots at that corner. FBI director Kash Patel said the bureau was on the scene supporting the Secret Service and would provide updates later.

The incident comes only weeks after a gunman allegedly targeted Trump and other administration officials at the White House Correspondents Association’s annual dinner at the Hilton Hotel in Washington.

More to come