At least one person has been killed and several others injured following a shooting at a fitness centre in downtown Washington, DC.
Police were called to the scene during the morning rush hour after reports of multiple people being shot in the Logan Circle area, approximately two kilometres from the White House. The Washington Police Department confirmed that its emergency response team was dealing with an active shooting incident, with the suspected gunman believed to be barricaded inside a nearby building.
DC City Council member Brooke Pinto said the incident took place at an outdoor fitness centre, prompting a major emergency response. Residents were urged to stay away from the area while police and other emergency services worked to secure the scene.
Several law enforcement agencies were seen arriving at the location as officers responded to the developing situation. The shooting caused significant disruption in the busy downtown neighbourhood, with authorities working to protect members of the public and manage the emergency.
A witness who was using the VIDA Fitness facility at the time described the frightening moments when the shooting began. Michael Carney told the Washington Sun that he was running on a treadmill when he heard a sudden "pop".
He said he then noticed a person lying on the gym floor with what appeared to be a gunshot wound to the head.
Describing the panic inside the facility, Carney said people immediately tried to find somewhere to hide, taking cover behind nearby planters as the situation unfolded.
Police continued responding to the incident, with the suspected shooter reportedly barricaded inside a building as the investigation remained ongoing.
