10:34 AM, March 04, 2018 / LAST MODIFIED: 10:43 AM, March 04, 2018

Man shoots himself to death near White House

Law enforcement officers gather in front of the White House in Washington, after the area was closed to pedestrian traffic, Saturday, March 3, 2018. Authorities said a man shot himself to death outside the White House midday. The District of Columbia Police Department says in a tweet that “adult make has been declared deceased. We are working to notify next of kin.” Photo: AP /Pablo Martinez Monsivais

AP, Washington

The Secret Service says a man shot himself to death Saturday as he stood near the fence along the north side of the White House.

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump were in Florida at the time. The White House says Trump has been briefed on the shooting.

Authorities are seeking to notify the man’s relatives and haven’t released his name.

Speaking for the Secret Service, Mason F Brayman says the man approached the fence shortly before noon and fired several rounds from a handgun. Brayman says none of the shots appear to have been directed toward the White House.

Secret Service officers set up a perimeter around the White House grounds Saturday afternoon, limiting access and rerouting tourists as they investigated.