Law enforcement officers gather in front of the White House in Washington, after the area was closed to pedestrian traffic, Saturday, March 3, 2018. Authorities said a man shot himself to death outside the White House midday. The District of Columbia Police Department says in a tweet that "adult make has been declared deceased. We are working to notify next of kin." (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
The Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) - The Secret Service says a man shot himself to death Saturday as he stood near the fence along the north side of the White House.
President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump were in Florida at the time. The White House says Trump has been briefed on the shooting.
Authorities are seeking to notify the man's relatives and haven't released his name.
Speaking for the Secret Service, Mason F. Brayman says the man approached the fence shortly before noon and fired several rounds from a handgun. Brayman says none of the shots appear to have been directed toward the White House.
Secret Service officers set up a perimeter around the White House grounds Saturday afternoon, limiting access and rerouting tourists as they investigated.
Law enforcement officers photograph the area in front of the White House in Washington, which is close to pedestrian traffic, Saturday, March 3, 2018. Authorities said a man shot himself to death outside the White House on Saturday. The District of Columbia Police Department says in a tweet that "adult male has been declared deceased. We are working to notify next of kin." That tweet comes about two hours after the Secret Service first reported that it was responding to reports of a self-inflicted shooting along the White House's north fence. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
The Associated Press