Gunman killed after opening fire near White House

A gunman who opened fire on Secret Service officers outside the White House has died after being shot, the agency said in a statement provided to US media.

A bystander was also shot during the exchange of fire, the agency said, without providing the victim's condition.

After the gunman opened fire on agents at a security checkpoint near the White House, "Secret Service police officers returned fire, striking the suspect, who was transported to an area hospital, where he later died," the statement said.

A person approached the checkpoint at 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue near the White House and started shooting at officers, according to the official.

The suspect was transported to George Washington Hospital.

The official said that a "stay-away order" had been issued to the suspect previously.

Earlier, the US Secret Service said it was investigating the incident and FBI Director Kash Patel said his agency was supporting the probe.

Police and security forces swarmed the area around the White House this evening after shots were fired nearby.

US President Donald Trump was at the White House at the time as he worked to negotiate a deal with Iran.

FBI Director Kash Patel said FBI agents were on scene and supporting Secret Service members in responce to shots fired near the White House grounds.

Mr Patel said he will update the public "as we're able".

ABC News reporter Selina Wang, who was filming outside the White House when shots were heard, posted a video of the moment of the incident on X.

She could be seen ducking down as shots rang out and said that her and her team were told to "sprint to the press briefing room".