White House on lockdown, one hurt in shooting near complex

Washington, May 21 

The White House was locked down after the US authorities reported a shooting incident near the presidential residence.

The US Park Police said a person was shot outside the White House and has been taken to the hospital in critical condition, The Washington Post reported late on Friday.

The US Park Police tweeted that the shooting occurred after 2 p.m. local time on West Executive Drive, near 17th and Pennsylvania Avenue NW.

Police have closed off a block-long stretch of 17th St and a helicopter was circling overhead.

“We are aware of the White House lockdown situation. I’ve been briefed by my public safety team [and] they are coordinating w federal partners,” Washington Mayor Muriel E. Bowser tweeted.