White House gunman an accountant with no criminal record

Robert Pickett, identified as the gunman shot outside the White House gates, is an Indiana accountant with no prior criminal record.

Neighbours say the 47-year-old has lived alone since his parents died.

Evansville police say Mr Pickett has no criminal record and that Secret Service agents are seeking a warrant to search his home.

An unopened Sunday newspaper was on the front porch of his modest two-storey house in Evansville, Indiana.

Residents have reacted with shock that Mr Pickett was involved in the incident.

"I was really surprised. As far as I knew, he was an outstanding neighbour," says one neighbour.

A former neighbour told CNN that Pickett "has always been a very kind and a very good person".

Public election records show Mr Pickett registered to vote in 1992 but did not cast a ballot and has not voted since.