Shooting near the White House
On Saturday night, a suspect fired shots on the White House grounds, leading to a confrontation with Secret Service agents, who ultimately shot and killed him. This information was confirmed by officials.
A post from the U.S. Secret Service indicated that while a witness was shot, further details about their condition weren’t provided. Importantly, no officers were reported injured during the incident.
“While the President was in the White House during the incident, there was no impact on protected personnel or operations,” stated Anthony Guglielmi, USSS Communications Director, emphasizing that the investigation is still ongoing.
Shortly before 6 p.m., the suspect, identified as Nasir Best, 21, pulled a weapon from his bag and began shooting near 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, close to the Eisenhower Executive Office Building.
The Secret Service responded by firing at Best, who was taken to a hospital but was later pronounced dead.
Reports suggest that Best had prior encounters with the Secret Service. Court documents indicate he once entered a restricted area of the White House grounds, claiming to be Jesus Christ and expressing a desire to be arrested.
President Donald Trump commented on the incident via Truth Social, expressing gratitude to law enforcement for their swift action in addressing what he described as a shooter with a history of violence.
“We thank our great Secret Service and law enforcement agencies for their swift and professional action tonight,” he wrote. He also noted that there had been a shootout near the White House gates.
As the gunfire erupted, journalists on-site quickly evacuated. One America News White House Correspondent, Alexandra Ingersoll, was broadcasting live at the time and was seen crouching for safety.
“Oh my god, I just heard a gunshot,” she remarked during her live coverage.
The shooting came about a month after a dangerous incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, where a gunman forced his way through a security checkpoint. Trump later referenced this event, highlighting the need for enhanced security in Washington, D.C., for future presidents.
“Our national security demands it!” he stated.
