Several people have been shot at the National Security Agency’s headquarters in Maryland. The incident reportedly occurred outside the entrance gate.

United States police launched an investigation into a shooting in Fort Meade on Wednesday. According to local media, shots were fired outside the headquarters of the National Security Agency (NSA).

NBC News footage showed aerial images of what appeared to be police surrounding a man on the ground in handcuffs.

What we know so far

• Local media reported that three people were shot and wounded and one person was in custody.
• The White House said US President Donald Trump had been briefed on the shooting.
• The FBI tweeted that the incident at Fort Meade has been contained, while the NSA tweeted that the situation was under control and there was no ongoing security or safety threat.
• Earlier the FBI tweeted that officers had been dispatched to the scene.

 

What the National Security Agency does: The NSA is one of the US government’s main intelligence agencies. The secretive agency utilizes technological tools, including the monitoring of internet traffic for foreign intelligence and counterintelligence purposes.

Previous shootings near the NSA: In March 2015, two people tried to drive their sports utility vehicle through the NSA’s heavily guarded gate. Officers shot at the vehicle when they refused to stop, killing one of the passengers. According to news reports, the vehicle occupants might have taken a wrong turn after partying and taking drugs.

More to come…

law/kms (AFP, dpa, Reuters)