The National Security Agency (NSA) headquarters is located outside Washington in Fort Meade, Maryland. Photo: AFP file

 

WASHINGTON: A shooting erupted Wednesday outside the headquarters of the National Security Agency, a secretive intelligence organization responsible for global US electronic eavesdropping in the suburbs of Washington, the White House confirmed.

NBC News aired aerial images of what appeared to be police surrounding a man on the ground in handcuffs outside the NSA facility in Fort Meade, Maryland.

The local ABC affiliate reported that three people were injured and a suspect was arrested.

A black SUV appeared to have crashed into a concrete barrier surrounding the site, and bullet holes were visible in the vehicle´s front windows.

The NSA said the situation was under control.

"The president has been briefed on the shooting at Ft. Meade," the White House said in a statement. "Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone that has been affected."