Shots rang out near the northwestern corner of the White House complex while President Trump remained inside. Secret Service agents quickly returned fire, neutralizing the threat.

The incident on Saturday evening involved a gunman who approached the White House, brandishing a firearm from a bag, and engaged the Secret Service. The individual was fatally wounded by officers.

A bystander also suffered gunfire injuries; however, no specific details were released regarding their identity or the severity of their injuries. Secret Service officials confirmed that no officers were injured during the exchange.

President Trump, present in the White House during the occurrence, expressed gratitude towards the Secret Service and law enforcement for their swift actions. He described the gunman as having a “violent history” and a “possible obsession” with the White House.

Details About the Gunman

The shooter was identified as Nasire Best, 21, by officials involved in the investigation. He was transported to a hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

Mr. Best had previous interactions with law enforcement near the White House. He was arrested in July for entering a restricted area and disregarding signs and commands. A D.C. Superior Court affidavit highlighted his earlier activities, describing him as familiar to the Secret Service for attempting to find access to various entry points at the White House.

Best had been forcibly detained in June after obstructing a vehicle entry point on the east side of the White House, according to the affidavit. During that arrest, he faced a misdemeanor charge of unlawful entry without any pending warrants. He reportedly claimed to officers that “he was Jesus Christ and wanted to get arrested.”