Secret Service Engages Armed Suspect Near Washington Monument; Bystander Injured
A man was shot by Secret Service officers after allegedly opening fire near the Washington Monument; a juvenile bystander sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
On Monday afternoon, a man was shot by U.S. Secret Service officers near the Washington Monument after allegedly opening fire on them. The incident occurred around 3:30 p.m. at the intersection of 15th Street and Independence Avenue SW, close to the White House.
Secret Service Deputy Director Matthew Quinn stated that plainclothes agents observed an individual who appeared to be armed. When uniformed officers approached, the man attempted to flee, then fired at the officers, who returned fire.
The suspect was transported to a local hospital; his condition remains unknown. A juvenile bystander was also injured during the exchange but is expected to recover.
The White House was briefly placed on lockdown as a precaution. Authorities have indicated there is no evidence suggesting the suspect targeted Vice President J.D. Vance's motorcade, which had passed through the area shortly before the incident.
The Metropolitan Police Department is conducting an investigation into the use of force by the Secret Service officers involved.