Child caught in crossfire as gunman opens fire near White House, Secret Service responds

WASHINGTON, DC: A shooting occurred near the White House on Monday, May 4, involving a Secret Service officer and a man who allegedly pulled a gun, leading to an exchange with Secret Service Uniformed Division officers.

Notably, a child was caught in the crossfire between the Secret Service and the suspect.

Child injured in crossfire near White House shooting

The incident took place near 15th Street and Independence Avenue, just over half a mile from the White House and close to the Washington Monument. The officer shot the man after he allegedly pulled out a gun.

Speaking at a press briefing, Secret Service Deputy Director Matthew Quinn said the suspect struck a child who was nearby. The injuries are not life-threatening, and the child is receiving medical care.

The suspect was shot by Secret Service officers after trained surveillance personnel spotted a "visual print" of a weapon.

"My understanding is they observed a print," Quinn said. "These are trained surveillance detection personnel out there looking every day to look for just that... and they observed a visual print of a firearm."

"Upon making contact, that individual fled briefly on foot, withdrew a firearm and fired in the direction of our agents and officers," Quinn said. "They returned fire and engaged."

Trump speaks as shooting unfolds nearby

The incident occurred as Donald Trump was scheduled to speak at the Small Business Summit at the White House. Despite the nearby violence, the event proceeded as planned.

Quinn said he would not speculate when asked whether Trump was the intended target, in light of a recent dinner incident.

"I can’t say, I’m not going to guess on that," Quinn said. "I can tell you that every time, we’re patrolling this area. In every site, we do 24/7, hardcore, whether or not it was directed to the president or not, I don’t know. But we will find out."

Press evacuated after White House security scare

At around 3:41 pm ET, the situation escalated to the White House grounds, as journalists on the North Lawn were suddenly instructed to leave the area.

United States Secret Service officers, some carrying long guns, quickly moved onto the lawn and directed members of the media to run inside the White House briefing room for safety.

Given that the shooting occurred in a highly secured area, authorities responded immediately. The area was quickly cordoned off after the suspect was shot during the encounter, as emergency services flooded the scene.