A security incident unfolded outside the White House this morning when an armed individual, later identified as a 42-year-old man from Maryland, approached the perimeter fence and brandished a weapon at Secret Service agents. The suspect, who had been under surveillance for erratic behaviour in recent days, was shot dead by responding officers after he ignored repeated warnings to drop his firearm. The incident, which occurred at approximately 10:15 AM local time, triggered a lockdown of the executive mansion and surrounding streets.
According to a preliminary statement from the Secret Service, no agents or civilians were injured. The suspect's vehicle, found parked nearby, contained a cache of weapons and a handwritten note expressing intent to target high-ranking officials. An investigation is underway, with the FBI assisting.
This is the second such security breach at the White House in six months, raising concerns about perimeter vulnerabilities. The president was not at the scene at the time of the incident, having been relocated to a secure location as a precaution. The public has been advised to avoid the area and await further updates.
