Gunman Killed in Shootout with Secret Service at White House
A gunman who shot at a White House security checkpoint has been killed.
Shots Fired Near the White House
He died in an exchange of fire with Secret Service agents on Saturday evening. The BBC’s US media partner CBS named the suspect as Nasire Best, a 21-year-old man. He was known to the agency and had a documented history of mental health conditions.
Gunfire rang out just after 18:00 local time. Reporters filming outside ducked and ran for cover inside the White House.
Trump Unharmed
President Donald Trump was at the White House but was unharmed. He thanked officers for their “swift and professional action”. The shooting comes a month after a gunman opened fire at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.
How It Happened
The incident began when a man pulled a gun from his bag. He “began firing” outside the White House at the intersection of 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW. Secret Service officers posted on the corner returned fire, striking the gunman. He was taken to hospital, where he was pronounced dead. A bystander was also wounded. No officers were injured.
Officials said no “protectees” or operations were impacted.
