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JOURNALISTS hid in the briefing room of the White House yesterday after a man shot himself in the head outside the gates.

Footage from the scene shows the gunman lying dead outside the North Lawn as the heart of the US government was put in lockdown.

The gunman's body was pictured lying outside the gates after he reportedly committed suicide
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The gunman's body was pictured lying outside the gates after he reportedly committed suicide

Secret Service agents raced to the site following the shooting at around 5pm UK time on Saturday.

The man was pronounced dead at the scene after pulling the gun on himself.

His dramatic suicide reportedly happened in front of a crowd of tourists.

The Secret Service said he had “allegedly suffered a self inflicted gunshot wound”.

Authorities on the scene as the White House is on lockdown while the Secret Service respond to reports of shots fired on the North Lawn
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Authorities on the scene as the White House is on lockdown while the Secret Service respond to reports of shots fired on the North LawnCredit: Fox News
The man was pronounced dead at the scene following a gunshot to the head on the North Lawn
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The man was pronounced dead at the scene following a gunshot to the head on the North Lawn
Law enforcement officers at Lafayette Park across from the White House in Washington, close the area to pedestrian traffic
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Law enforcement officers at Lafayette Park across from the White House in Washington, close the area to pedestrian trafficCredit: AP:Associated Press

President Trump and First Lady Melania were away in Florida at the Mar-a-Lago resort.

Traffic was brought to a standstill and journalists sheltered in the briefing room during the incident.

NBC's White House correspondent Geoff Bennett tweeted first about the incident .

He said: "We're sheltering in place at the White House briefing room. A report of 'shots fired' near North Lawn, per a U.S. Secret Service agent. Trying to learn more."

White House on lockdown after US Secret Service agent reports ‘shots fired’
Cops at the scene on the North Lawn on Saturday afternoon
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Cops at the scene on the North Lawn on Saturday afternoonCredit: AP:Associated Press
The President and his wife Melania were not at the White House at the time
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The President and his wife Melania were not at the White House at the timeCredit: Getty - Contributor

The Secret Service tweeted: "No other reported injuries related to the incident at the White House."

Trump was made aware of the incident.

It happened just a week after a car ploughed into a security barrier near the President's home.

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A police spokesman told : "The adult male who reportedly shot himself has been declared dead.

"His body remained on scene. We’re working to notify next of kin."

A White House spokesman said: "We are aware of the situation.

"The President has been briefed."

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