Gunman shot dead by Secret Service agents near White House: What we know | Story

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No Secret Service Agents are injured, but a bystander is injured in the exchange of fire.

One man was killed by United States Secret Service officers after they opened fire at a security site near the White House, and another was wounded by gunfire.

Several US media have identified the gunman as Nasire Best, a 21-year-old man from nearby Maryland who is known to the Secret Service and has a history of mental illness.

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Shortly after 6pm (22:00 GMT) on Saturday, the suspect approached the Secret Service checkpoint at the intersection of 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, DC, took out a weapon from his bag and started shooting at the officers stationed there, the Secret Service said in a statement. The gunman was taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead. No Secret Service officers were injured.

President Donald Trump was at the White House at the time but “no security guards or services were involved,” the Secret Service said. The White House was immediately put on the ground.

Here’s what we know so far:

Who was the shooter?

US journalists say Best tried to approach the White House several times last year.

The Reuters news agency reported that he violated the “stay-away” order and was diagnosed as mentally disturbed.

CNN reported that Best blocked access to the White House in June of last year and was arrested by the Secret Service. He claimed to be Jesus and said that he wanted to be arrested. He was referred to the Psychiatric Institute of Washington for evaluation.

According to CBS News, Best tried to gain access to the White House in July and was arrested by Secret Service agents. Again he was sent to a psychiatric hospital.

Best had been living in Washington, DC, for about 18 months, CBS reported.

CNN reported that social media accounts linked to Best included a page that appeared to threaten Trump and another where he wrote: “I am a child of God.”

Where did it happen?

The intersection of 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue is northwest of the White House.

The White House is 300 meters (980ft) vertically. Walking there from the shooting site would take at least three minutes without taking into account all the security checks along the way.

What has Trump done?

In a post On his Truth Social Network page, Mr. Trump wrote: “Thank you to our Secret Service and Law Enforcement for the swift and professional action taken tonight against a gunman near the White House, who had a history of violence and obsession with what our country holds dear.”

Trump also referred to what his administration called the assassination attempt in April and his work at the White House when he added: “The gunman is dead after a shootout with Secret Service Agents near the gates of the White House. This incident is one month removed from the shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, and shows the importance, for all future Presidents, to find a safe, very safe place in Washington. Our country needs it!”

What efforts has Trump faced?

While Trump was speaking at an outdoor rally near Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13, 2024, 20-year-old Thomas Crooks fired multiple shots from a nearby rooftop using an AR-15 rifle.

Trump’s right ear was grazed by a bullet or shrapnel. One of the audience members, Corey Compatore, was killed, and two others were seriously wounded before Secret Service snipers killed Crooks.

Authorities later described the shooting as an attempted murder. The FBI said the gunman’s motive is still unknown.

In September 2024, Ryan Wesley Routh ambushed Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida, with a gun while Trump was playing golf. A Secret Service agent saw him, and shot Routh before he could escape. He was then arrested.

Prosecutors say Routh orchestrated the conspiracy and oversaw Trump’s movements. He was found guilty and sentenced to life in prison.

On April 25, shots were fired near a security checkpoint inside the Washington Hilton hotel as Trump, reporters, cabinet officials and guests attended the annual White House press briefing. Trump was moved along with other celebrities.

The shooter, Cole Thomas Allen, was defeated by Secret Service agents and arrested. He has been indicted on federal gun charges and attempted murder of Trump.