President Trump was giving a press conference at the White House today when a secret service agent abruptly interrupted to escort the President to the Oval Office for safety. News reporters were focusing on the North Lawn during the minutes following the President's departure. There were agents outside with long guns checking the perimeter around the White House.
John Roberts, a Fox News White House correspondent confirmed that there were shots heard close by near 17th and Pennsylvania Avenue. Roberts was outside due to the coronavirus restrictions in the press room. "Southeast corner of 17th and Pennsylvania Avenue that would be on the other side of the Eisenhower executive office building. It was at about 5:48pm. I was at the north lawn position when I heard two very loud pops in rapid succession. One actually sounded louder than the other one. I don't know if it was two different weapons that were discharged or if it was a signal weapon firing in rapid succession. By the time we were ushered back inside at the White House we had discovered that it was an officer-involved shooting and that a man was on the ground receiving treatment from the Secret Service for his wounds and was taken to the hospital for treatment". The reporters are on a rotating schedule to attend the briefings. The President was announcing the 500,000 ballots incorrectly sent out in Virginia to deceased residents, cats, dogs, etc. when the agent interrupted.
Dan Bongino, a former Secret Service agent took to Twitter moments after the President was led out of the briefing room, "Spent twelve years in the Secret Service and I've never seen that before".
10 minutes after the press conference was halted, the President appeared back in the press room and gave an update on the situation outside. "There was a shooting outside of the White House and it seems to be very well under control. I would like to thank the Secret Service for doing their always quick & very effective work". He added, "I have such confidence in these people".
President Trump, without skipping a beat, continued the press briefing. A reporter asked, "Are you rattled by this at all, Mr. President?". President Trump answered, "Do I seem rattled?"
The Secret Service tweeted, "The Secret Service can confirm there has been an officer-involved shooting at 17th Street and Pennsylvania Ave. Law enforcement officials are on the scene. More information to follow".
The rest of the press conference can be viewed here.
