NSA shooting latest: At least three people injured in incident at National Security Agency headquarters
The NSA has said the situation was under control
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.At least three people have been injured following an incident at the Maryland military base where the National Security Agency is headquartered, US media reported.
Gunfire broke out after motorists, who were not identified, drove a black sport utility vehicle to a gate of the secretive government agency in Fort Meade, Maryland. Armed guards fired on the vehicle after it violated NSA security rules, Reuters reported.
Several individuals were taken to hospital following the shooting at the Fort Meade security gate, the NSA said in a statement. No injuries appeared to be from gunfire.
The NSA has said the situation was under control. The spy agency’s headquarters is located just outside Washington DC.
Video from the scene showed a black vehicle had crashed into NSA-branded security barriers at the entrance to the organisation’s campus. The vehicle had bullet holes in the windshield, and a man could be seen handcuffed at the side of the road.
The FBI said it was investigating the incident, which it asserted had no link to terrorism.
“There is no indication to think that this is anything more than an isolated incident,” said Gordon Johnson, the FBI’s special agent in charge for Baltimore, according to Reuters. “We have no reason to believe that there is any nexus to terrorism.”
Two of the people arrested were in the NSA’s custody. The third, the driver of the vehicle, was taken to a hospital with undisclosed injuries, Mr Johnson said. An NSA police officer and a civilian bystander also suffered injuries that were not life-threatening, he added.
The White House said President Donald Trump had been informed about the situation.
“The President has been briefed on the shooting at Fort Meade. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone that has been affected. We will continue to provide updates as they become available,” White House deputy press secretary Lindsay Walters said in a statement.
The highway near Fort Meade was closed in both directions due to the police investigation, according to the Twitter account of the Fort Meade public affairs office, which was unavailable to comment.
The NSA said in a statement that the incident took place at a vehicle gate. Aerial footage shows a black SUV that appears to have crashed into concrete barriers.
“The situation is under control and there is no ongoing security or safety threat,” the agency said.
Earlier, local media reports said that as many as three people had been wounded.
News agencies contributed to this report
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments