A frightening scene erupted near the White House on Saturday evening after a gunman allegedly opened fire just outside the executive mansion, forcing the area into lockdown and triggering a rapid response from the U.S. Secret Service.

The chaos reportedly unfolded around 6 p.m. near 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW, just steps from one of the most heavily guarded areas in the country.

According to initial reports, the male suspect was armed with a pistol when he allegedly fired about three shots toward the White House. Secret Service agents quickly returned fire, striking the gunman before he could breach the White House grounds.

The suspect was later pronounced dead, according to reports. Authorities said he had a history of mental health issues.

A nearby civilian was also reportedly shot during the terrifying exchange, according to a senior administration official. That person’s condition was not immediately clear.

Witnesses and officials described a chaotic burst of gunfire, with as many as 30 shots reportedly heard in the direction of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building.

All Secret Service agents were reported safe.

Officials emphasized that the suspect never made it inside the general perimeter of the White House grounds, but the incident was serious enough to send the area into an immediate security lockdown.

The lockdown was later lifted Saturday afternoon after authorities secured the scene.

The shooting came just hours after President Donald Trump spoke from the Oval Office and announced that his administration was nearing a deal to end the war with Iran, adding another dramatic layer to an already tense day in Washington.

The motive behind the gunfire was not immediately released.

Authorities are continuing to investigate how the armed suspect got so close to the White House area, why he allegedly opened fire, and whether the wounded civilian was struck by the suspect’s bullets or during the Secret Service response.