WASHINGTON - US President Donald Trump was rushed to a White House bunker on Friday by Secret Service agents as hundreds of people protesting the death of George Floyd gathered outside the executive mansion, some of them throwing rocks and tugging at police barricades. Mr Trump spent nearly an hour in the bunker, which was designed for use in emergencies like terrorist attacks, according to a Republican close to the White House who was not authorised to publicly discuss it and spoke on condition of anonymity. The source’s account was confirmed by an administration official who also spoke on condition of anonymity. The abrupt decision by the agents underscored the rattled mood inside the White House, where the chants from protesters in Lafayette Park could be heard all weekend and Secret Service agents and law enforcement officers struggled to contain the crowds. The source’s account was confirmed by an administration official. Friday’s protests were triggered by the death of Mr Floyd, a black man who died after he was pinned by a knee on his neck by a white Minneapolis police officer. The demonstrations in Washington turned violent and appeared to catch officers by surprise, sparking one of the highest alerts on the White House complex since the September 11 attacks in 2001 . ‘The White House does not comment on security protocols and decisions,’ said White House spokesman Judd Deere, while the Secret Service said it does not discuss the means and methods of its protective operations. The president and his family have been shaken by the size and venom of the crowds, according to the Republican source who spoke with the Associated Press.(FA)