The White House was briefly put on lockdown after a shooting nearby while President Barack Obama was away at Andrews Air Force Base, federal law enforcement officials say.

CNN reported that a male suspect had been shot by Secret Service officers and was in custody.

One person was transported to a local hospital with critical injuries, a spokesman for the District of Colombia Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department said.

US Park Police said the shooting was on West Executive Drive, about a block from the White House.

Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser said on Twitter she was aware and had been briefed on the White House lockdown situation.

Her public safety team was coordinating with federal partners, she said.