Assailant opens fire on Cuban embassy in Washington, one person arrested: Report

The US Secret Service said, "A person was arrested early Thursday after opening fire on the Cuban embassy in Washington."

The unknown person fired various rounds from what some reports said was a high-powered attack rifle.

“This morning at nearly 2:15 am, US Secret Service officers responded to the Embassy of Cuba following reports of shots fired,” the Secret Service added.

“One person was arrested for being in the hold of an unregistered firearm as well as unregistered ammunition, assault with the intent to kill, and possession of a high capacity feed device. “No injuries were reported at the scene.”

Washington’s police department confirmed the incident but said an investigation was in the hands of the Secret Service, which often handles investigations including foreign diplomats.

Local media stated the person arrested was a man who fired about 30 rounds from an attack rifle-type weapon.

The embassy, placed on 16th Street at the edge of the Adams Morgan neighbourhood, a usually bustling area full of bars and restaurants but which has been stilled by the coronavirus shutdown.

The administration of President Donald Trump has chilled relations with Havana, changing course after an opening initiated by his predecessor Barack Obama.

In October 2017, it dismissed 15 Cuban diplomats after a rash of incidents in which US embassy staff in Cuba reported as yet unexplained head pains, dizziness and hearing loss.