Shots are heard near the White House

CNN reporters heard what sounded like dozens of gunshots near the White House this Saturday (23), which led to a lockdown and a rapid response from the US Secret Service.

A Secret Service official told CNN that the agency was investigating reports of shots fired at the intersection of 17th Street and Northwest Pennsylvania Avenue, directly across from the White House complex.

Members of the press who were on the North Lawn were rushed to the White House press room.

Inside the official residence of the US presidency, reporters were told to take shelter as Secret Service agents shouted "get down" and warned of "shots fired". A reporter said the sounds appeared to be coming from the Eisenhower Executive Building side of the White House complex.

Secret Service agents carrying assault rifles were seen roaming the North Lawn area after the incident and blocking the White House press room.

CNN contacted the White House for advice.

Updating*

Source: CNN