A man has been shot after refusing to relinquish a weapon outside The White House.  Earlier this evening, news broke of a security alert being issued at the presidential mansion in Washington DC. Gunfire was heard by an entrance of The White House and the area was placed under temporary lockdown as a result. Secret Service representatives confirmed that officers shot a man who had approached their guard post at 17th and E streets NW brandishing a gun. According to NBC, witnesses said the man was shot in the abdomen after failing to adhere to verbal instructions. His condition is said to be critical. US Park Police cleared The White House north lawn following gunshots and press corps were requested to hold shelter in the basement.

Lockdown at #WhiteHouse. pic.twitter.com/mb4KTUjxia

— Nebojsa Malic (@NebojsaMalic) May 20, 2016

 

DEVELOPING: Security alert issued at the White House, armed Secret Service agent posted on roof pic.twitter.com/m66imhgfLV — CBS Evening News (@CBSEveningNews) May 20, 2016

  Minutes after the incident occurred, CNN's Shimon Prokupecz confirmed that a suspect was already in custody. https://twitter.com/ShimonPro/status/733745577431797760 President Obama and family are said not to be located within the grounds of The White House at this time. According to POTUS schedule, Obama is playing golf at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland. Lead image via Twitter/CBSEveningNews