Child struck by gunfire during Secret Service shooting

WASHINGTON – A child was struck by gunfire from a suspect and is recovering at a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries following an officer-involved shooting near 15th Street and Independence Avenue in Northwest Washington, D.C., according to Deputy Director of the U.S. Secret Service Matthew Quinn. 

What we know:

Quinn said during a press briefing that the incident began around 3:30 p.m. when uniformed officers responded to the area after a plainclothes officer requested backup upon observing a “suspicious” individual.

Quinn also reported that the suspect fled on foot, then drew a firearm and fired toward officers. Preliminary findings indicate that a bullet fired by the suspect struck the juvenile. 

Officers returned fire, striking the suspect, who is now hospitalized and recovering as well. 

The White House was placed under a short lockdown while authorities examined the situation, according to The Associated Press. Secret Service agents quickly moved reporters from outside into the briefing room for safety.

Meanwhile, President Donald Trump, who was attending an event focused on small businesses, remained inside and continued the program without any pause, per the AP. 

Emergency responders remain on the scene, and law enforcement has urged the public to avoid the vicinity to allow operations to continue without disruption.

What we don’t know:

Officials have not provided further details regarding the identity of the suspect. 

The investigation is ongoing.