The US Secret Service announced that an individual was shot near the White House on Monday.

The White House was put on lockdown briefly after reports that there were gunshots near the complex.

'U.S. Secret Service personnel are on the scene of an officer-involved shooting at 15th Street and Independence Avenue in Washington, D.C.,' said a spokesperson for the agency.

'One individual was shot by law enforcement; their condition is currently unknown. Please avoid the area as emergency crews are responding.' 

The location of the shooting is across the national mall, about a mile from the White House building.  

Despite the distance, the US Secret Service briefly evacuated members of the White House press corps from the North Lawn and into the media briefing room before an 'all clear' was given.

The terrifying security event occurred as Donald Trump is making remarks in the East Room during a small business summit. 

He touted his directive to send in the National Guard to the nation's capital last year, making the city much safer than under Joe Biden.

'Washington, DC is now one of the safest cities in the United States,' he stated during the security event.

It comes just over a week since an alleged gunman, Cole Tomas Allen, tried to storm the White House Correspondents' Dinner with Trump and Melania in attendance.

Allen was charged with the attempted murder of the President and two gun charges. He has not yet entered a plea. 

This is a breaking story.