Newsroom
Sounds resembling multiple gunshots were heard near the White House on Saturday, prompting an immediate security response and a temporary lockdown inside the complex.
According to CNN reporters at the scene, the sounds appeared to come from an area close to 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest, just outside the White House grounds. The United States Secret Service later confirmed it was looking into reports of shots fired in the vicinity.
Journalists gathered on the North Lawn were quickly escorted into the White House briefing room as agents ordered people to take cover. Reporters inside the building were instructed to remain sheltered while Secret Service personnel shouted warnings about possible gunfire.
One journalist said the noises seemed to originate near the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, located next to the White House complex.
Television footage from the area showed armed Secret Service agents moving across the North Lawn and restricting access around the briefing room shortly after the incident.
CNN reported that it had contacted the White House for additional comment as authorities continued their investigation.
