Shooting of an 'Armed Suspect' in the Outer Grounds of the White House

Reports from Washington indicate that security forces have stopped an armed suspect by gunfire in the outer grounds of the White House, and surrounding roads have been blocked for several hours. According to CNN, after a suspected man drew a weapon near one of the White House's security checkpoints, security forces targeted him with gunfire. CNN reported, citing two sources familiar with the details of the incident, that the suspect was shot in the abdomen and is in custody. CNN also quoted the Washington emergency medical service stating that the suspect has been transferred to a local hospital, and his injury status is critical. Initial reports indicated that the shooting was initiated by the suspect, but it was quickly clarified that the suspect had not fired any shots. Reports suggest that at the time of the incident, President Barack Obama was not at the White House, and his deputy, Joe Biden, was under protection. Another report from a White House official indicated that none of the White House staff or associates were harmed in this incident. The shooting occurred on the western route leading to the White House, and during the incident, reporters present in the White House press room were told to take cover. This shooting incident in the outer grounds of the White House occurred less than two months after another incident in the congressional visitor center, where an armed individual shot a police officer. At that time, the U.S. Congress was on holiday due to Easter, but according to AFP, the area was crowded with tourists.