The Secret Service says a suspect opened fire on Monday near the National Mall after being confronted by officers. Deputy Director Matt Quinn said agents returned fire during the incident, and a bystander was struck by the suspect. Quinn added that Vice President JD Vance’s motorcade passed through the area shortly before the shooting, but there is no indication it was targeted. The shooting occurred Monday afternoon near 15th Street and Independence Avenue, close to the Washington Monument . The Secret Service urged the public to avoid the area as emergency responders arrived, with the scene located not far from the White House , where President Donald Trump was hosting a small business event. The suspect was taken to a local hospital and said to be conscious and breathing (Andrew Leyden/Getty Images) The suspect was taken to a local hospital and said to be conscious and breathing. Quinn said he believes the suspect’s gunfire struck a young bystander, who was injured.…