The incident took place while he was beginning a coronavirus briefing Monday afternoon, reports AP.

He returned minutes later, saying there was a “shooting” outside the White House. However, Trump said that the incident was under control.

“There was an actual shooting and somebody’s been taken to the hospital,” Trump said.

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The president said the shots were fired by law enforcement, saying he believed the individual who was shot was armed.

“It was the suspect who was shot,” Trump said.

Trump said he was escorted to the Oval Office by the agent. The White House was placed on lockdown following the incident.

The shooting took place near 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, just blocks from the White House, according to two sources with knowledge of the situation who were not authorised to speak publicly about it.

Law enforcement officials were still trying to determine the suspect's motive.

The Secret Service tweeted Monday night that the male subject and a Secret Service officer were transported to a local hospital.

“At no time during this incident was the White House complex breached or were any protectees in danger,” the agency said.

The District of Columbia fire department said the suspect suffered serious or possibly critical injuries. Authorities were investigating whether he has a history of mental illness.

Trump praised the work of Secret Service personnel for keeping him safe. Asked if he was shaken by the incident, Trump asked reporters: “I don’t know. Do I seem rattled?”