A suspect has been taken to hospital after being shot by a member of the Secret Service outside the White House, at 17th Street and Pennsylvania Ave.

Mr Trump returned minutes after being escorted out, saying there was a "shooting" that was now "under control."

"There was an actual shooting and somebody's been taken to the hospital," Mr Trump said.

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," Mr Trump said.

He said the shooting "might not have had anything to do with me. It might've been something else."

"The wall - as you know, the fencing, especially the new fencing that they put up, is very powerful. But it was on the outside of the White House."

When asked by a reporter if he was left rattled by what happened, Mr Trump replied: "I don't know. Do I seem rattled?"

He said "the world's always been a dangerous place".

The Secret Service confirmed on Twitter an "officer involved shooting" had taken place.

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

The president praised the work of Secret Service personnel for their work in keeping him safe.