Secret Service agents stands on the North Lawn of the White House in Washington, Friday, May 20, 2016, after the White House was placed on security alert after shooting on street outside (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)
A man has been shot after brandishing a gun near the White House, according to American officials.
The man is believed to have walked to an officer outside the gates and brandished a weapon before being shot in the abdomen by a Secret Service officer.
He has now been taken to George Washington University Hospital.
Community activist Akil Patterson said he heard a single gunshot whilst waiting in the security queue to enter the White House.
Second later he said security guards were calling for people to drop to the ground and he was then evacuated onto the street.
President Obama was not in the building at the time but it remains unclear whether Michelle Obama or his daughters were.
The White House has confirmed no members of staff were injured.
Man shot outside White House after brandishing gun
