A gunman was shot near the White House on Friday afternoon after brandishing a weapon at a Secret Service checkpoint, according to multiple news reports.
Agents immediately responded and shot the individual in the abdomen, CNN reported. The suspect was transported to a local hospital with critical injuries, according to D.C. Fire and Emergency Medical Services.
President Barack Obama wasn't home at the time, though Vice President Joe Biden was working at the residence, according to CNN.
The incident occurred on West Executive Drive at Pennsylvania Ave. and 17th Street, the U.S. Park Police said in a tweet.
The Secret Service separately confirmed the incident.
"The Secret Service is confirming a police involved shooting near the @WhiteHouse complex," it said on Twitter. "All Secret Service protectees are safe."
The agency has in recent years taken steps to improve security at the White House by increasing the height of the fence by about five feet and other measures after individuals gained access to the property.
The White House lifted the lockdown shortly after the suspect was taken into custody.
-- Brendan McGarry can be reached at brendan.mcgarry@military.com. Follow him on Twitter at @brendan_mcgarry.
