Washington: The United States Secret Service has launched an investigation after reports of gunfire near the White House, prompting a temporary security escalation in the area.
Authorities responded shortly after midnight to alerts of gunshots around Lafayette Park, located just north of the presidential residence. Officers conducted a thorough search of the park and surrounding streets, but did not locate any suspect. No injuries were reported.
Officials said they are currently looking for a possible vehicle and a person of interest as part of the ongoing probe. While the incident raised immediate concerns, the Secret Service confirmed that operations at the White House remain normal, although a heightened security posture has been implemented as a precaution.
Donald Trump was in Washington, DC, at the time of the incident, opting to stay in the capital rather than travel to his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. Road closures were briefly enforced in areas surrounding the park during the investigation, but have since been lifted, according to Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi.
The agency confirmed that the investigation remains ongoing, with coordination between federal and local law enforcement agencies continuing. Meanwhile, White House communications director Steven Cheung stated that the president had been working from the White House throughout the Easter weekend.
According to media reports, the president is also scheduled to host a family Easter dinner at the White House.
MOST READ | Artemis II crew captures 1st high-resolution images of Earth
