Trump Forced to Halt Press Conference as Agents Battle Gunman Outside White House

Pat Stevens/

President Donald Trump was forced to abort his press conference temporarily yesterday, less than five minutes after it began, as he was abruptly escorted from the briefing room by Secret Service officials.

He returned shortly afterwards to announce that security agents had shot an armed suspect outside the White House.

“There was a shooting outside of the White House and it seems to be very well under control,” Trump said after he returned to briefing room.

He thanked his security detail for their quick action. 

“I’d like to thank the Secret Service for doing their always quick and very effective work,” he noted.

He said he didn’t know the condition of the person who was shot and taken to the hospital. 

Trump said it was his understanding the suspect was armed but didn’t think it was necessarily about him. 

“It might not have had anything to do with me,” he said.

He said the agents took him to the Oval Office, which is just down the hall from the press briefing room.

The president said he was surprised by what happened but was not concerned for his personal safety.

“I was surprised,” he said. “It’s pretty unusual but very, very professional people. They do a fantastic job, as you know.”

“The world has been a dangerous place. Very dangerous place and it will continue, I guess, for a period of time. I feel very safe with Secret Service, they are fantastic people. They are the best of the best and they are highly trained,” he added.

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