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Donald Trump briefly evacuated in middle of press conference as man shot near White House

Speed News Desk | Updated on: 11 August 2020, 9:28 IST

US President Donald Trump was suddenly moved out from the White House briefing room by security after shots were fired outside the building on Monday.

The US President came back to the briefing room minutes later, confirming a shooting.


"There was a shooting outside of the White House and it seems to be very well under control. I'd like to thank the Secret Service for doing their always quick and very effective work," Trump said.

After Donald Trump got back to the dais, the Secret Service put out a tweet saying that there had been an officer-involved shooting at 17th Street Northwest and Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest.

Later, the Secret Service said on Twitter that a probe of the shooting "is underway" but that "at no time during this incident was the White House complex breached or were any protectees in danger."

A "male subject" and a Secret Service officer were taken to a hospital, the tweet read.

According to sources, the wounded individual was weaponless.

A senior administration officer stated that there was an active shooter close to the White House and that shooter has been taken into custody.

The incident took place just outside of the White House grounds close to Lafayette Square, the official stated.

The US President had been midsentence during the first attempt at a press briefing when security came inside the room and asked him to exit from the area.

"Excuse me?" Trump asked when the security approached.

"Step outside," the agent said.

"Oh," Trump said before departing the room.

When Donald Trump came back in to the briefing room, he said he has been taken to the Oval Office when he was evacuated.

"I feel very safe with the Secret Service. They're fantastic. They're the best of the best. They are highly trained," Trump told reporters. "They just wanted me to step aside for a little while just to make sure that everything was clear outside."

Donald Trump stated that he had asked whether White House facilities were flouted.

"I don't think the person breached anything," he added. "I don't believe anything was breached. I asked that question."

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First published: 11 August 2020, 9:28 IST