U.S. Secret Service agents scrambled to secure the White House after at least 20 gunshots were heard Saturday evening when a suspect was fatally shot after firing at a security booth outside the campus.
The gunfire took place at an intersection to the immediate west of the campus with the gunman and a civilian down, according to Fox News reporter Chad Pergram.
“Shortly after 6:00 p.m. Saturday, an individual approached a Secret Service checkpoint in the area of 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW,” Pergram posted, citing the Secret Service. “A preliminary investigation indicates that as the individual approached, he removed a weapon from his bag and began firing at posted officers. Secret Service police officers returned fire, striking the suspect, who was transported to an area hospital, where he later died.” (RELATED: Woman Charged With Terrorism For Allegedly Setting Fire To Texas GOP Office)
The suspect, later identified as Nasire Best, 21, had a history of mental health issues and violated a court order to stay away from the White House after previous encounters with the Secret Service, the New York Post reported. Best notably believed he was Jesus Christ, according to the outlet.
Reporters were rushed into the White House Press Briefing Room, NBC reporter Julie Tsirkin posted on X. ABC News reporter Selina Wang posted video showing her diving to the ground at the apparent sound of the gunshots, and said she’d been moved to the White House press briefing room by the Secret Service.
“We are aware of reports of shots fired near 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW and are working to corroborate the information with personnel on the ground,” the Secret Service initally posted on X. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) referred the Daily Caller News Foundation (DCNF) to the Secret Service’s post when reached for comment.
The Secret Service released a statement about the incident on X, which DHS also sent to the DCNF.
“Shortly after 6 p.m Saturday an individual in the area of 17th street and Pennsylvania Avenue pulled a weapon from his bag and began firing,” the statement reads. “Secret Service Police returned fire striking the suspect who was transported to an area hospital where he was pronounced deceased. During the shooting one bystander was also struck by gunfire. No injuries were sustained by officers. The President was in the White House during the incident, however no protectees or operations were impacted.”
President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and other senior administration officials were reported to have been present inside the White House earlier for an afternoon conference call with numerous Middle Eastern leaders to discuss a diplomatic solution to the military conflict with Iran. Vance reportedly boarded Air Force Two and departed Washington before the incident.
“FBI is on the scene and supporting Secret Service responding to shots fired near White House grounds – we will update the public as we’re able,” FBI Director Kash Patel posted to X.
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the DCNF.
Trump has survived multiple assassination attempts since he first ran for the presidency in 2015.
Editor’s note: This breaking news story was updated with additional details as they became available.
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