A person was shot by law enforcement officers near the Washington Monument on Monday, shortly after the motorcade of US Senator JD Vance passed through the area, the Secret Service has confirmed.
The individual was initially identified by plainclothes officers who deemed him suspicious and believed he was carrying a firearm, according to Matthew Quinn, deputy director of the Secret Service. Uniformed agents were called for support, but when the suspect saw them, he fled on foot, drew a gun, and fired. Officers returned fire, striking the individual, who was later transported to hospital.
Quinn declined to comment on the suspect's condition or whether Senator Vance was specifically targeted. A juvenile bystander was also reportedly shot but sustained non-life-threatening injuries and is receiving medical treatment.
The incident occurred near 15th Street and Independence Avenue, prompting a brief lockdown of the White House, where President Donald Trump was hosting a small business event. The president's schedule continued without interruption.
The Secret Service has urged the public to avoid the area as investigations continue. The circumstances surrounding the shooting remain unclear.
