Gunfire near National Mall prompts brief White House lockdown

A shooting involving US Secret Service personnel near the National Mall in Washington prompted a brief lockdown of the White House on Monday afternoon after an armed confrontation left a suspect and a bystander injured.

According to US Secret Service Deputy Director Matthew Quinn the incident occurred shortly after a motorcade carrying Vice President JD Vance passed through the area.

He said there is no confirmation that the Vice President was the intended target and declined to speculate on any link to wider security threats.

Officials stated that Secret Service agents identified a suspicious individual believed to be armed. When approached the suspect fled on foot then turned and opened fire. Agents returned fire, striking the individual, who was subsequently taken to hospital. His condition has not been disclosed.

Authorities also confirmed that a juvenile bystander sustained minor injuries during the exchange of fire.

In a separate statement the United States Secret Service said the incident occurred near 15th Street and Independence Avenue in Washington describing it as an armed confrontation between a suspect and federal law enforcement personnel.

The White House was placed under a temporary precautionary lockdown as a security measure during the incident. Law enforcement later confirmed that the area was secured, with nearby roads closed while investigations continued.

Washington DC Police said their officers responded to the scene and are assisting in the ongoing investigation. Officials added that security measures in the capital had already been heightened following recent security incidents in the city.