Suspect shot dead near White House after firing at security checkpoint

US Secret Service Police and District of Columbia Emergency Medical Services are seen on a crime scene after responding to reports of shots fired near the White House. Picture: AP Photo/Alex Brandon

A person who approached a White House security checkpoint and began firing at officers has died after being shot, according to federal officials.

The US Secret Service said in a statement late on Saturday that, according to a preliminary investigation, the person approached a checkpoint shortly after 6pm local time, “pulled a weapon from his bag and began firing at posted officers”.