Man shot near White House after brandishing gun

The Secret Service briefly locked down the White House as a precaution

Law enforcement officers shot a man who brandished a gun near the White House on Friday while President Barack Obama was out golfing, and the man was taken to hospital in critical condition, officials and witnesses said.

The Secret Service, which protects the president, briefly locked down the White House as a precaution.

The shooting took place near 17th and E streets, near what is known as the South Lawn outside the executive mansion, which serves as the home and offices of the president.

A man who looked to be in his mid-20s walked to the gate of the White House holding a silver-colored gun pointed at the ground, said Brett Polivka, a 26-year-old visiting from Texas who was standing near the south side of the White House with his girlfriend.