BREAKING UPDATE: Secret Service shoots gunman after gunfire heard near White House

A series of gunshots were heard by the White House on Saturday evening, forcing the press to run into the White House press room. The gunman never got inside the perimeter of the White House and was taken down by Secret Service. 

Senior administration officials said that a gunman shot around three times at the White House with a firearm and then US Secret Service (USSS) agents returned fire, according to Fox News. The gunman was taken down by USSS. It was not immediately known what the gunman's status was. A civilian was also reportedly shot in the chaos. 

"Many gunshots were heard when we were at the White House. We were told to run into the press briefing room," ABC News' Selina Wang said in a post. Other reports confirmed the shots taking place. 

Video from the scene showed reporters ducking to cover as the gunshots were hearing ringing out. The press was told by authorities to take cover in the White House briefing room on the scene. Over a dozen shots were heard in the footage, and some reports indicated that there were as many as 30. 

Following the shots taking place, the White House was secured and placed on lockdown. President Donald Trump was at the White House when the shots took place.  

Videos showed Secret Service agents going around the security perimeter of the building in an effort to investigate and secure the scene.

CNN reported that the shots "appeared outside of the grounds, closer to the EEOB building, which is on the west side of the White House." The incident reportedly happened near 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue where the shots rang out. A heavy police presence was on the scene of where the shots were fired. 

FBI Director Kash Patel said of the situation, "FBI is on the scene and supporting Secret Service responding to shots fired near White House grounds - we will update the public as we’re able."

This is a developing story. Please refresh for updates.