The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating a shooting near the White House where a bystander was hit and underwent surgery. The individual is reported to be in stable condition as authorities continue their inquiry.
On Saturday evening, 21-year-old Nasire Best from Dundalk, Maryland, approached the northwestern corner of the White House complex. According to officials, after taking a gun from his bag, Best began firing at a Secret Service checkpoint. Secret Service agents returned fire, resulting in Best’s death.
An adult male bystander, who law enforcement has not publicly identified, was caught in the exchange of gunfire. Emergency medical personnel transported him to a hospital, where he underwent surgery. He is currently in stable condition.
The police are working to determine who fired the shot that hit the bystander. Investigators are also seeking to ascertain the total number of shots fired and to assess whether the Secret Service’s response was justified. Once the investigation concludes, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia will independently review the case.
Fortunately, no Secret Service agents sustained injuries during the incident. Television reporters who were on the north lawn of the White House recorded what sounded like numerous shots fired by both Best and the Secret Service agents.
Prior to the incident, Best was known to law enforcement. Over the past year, he had caused concern by attempting to gain unauthorized access to the White House complex. In June, Best was charged with unlawful entry after blocking a vehicle’s path to the complex and claiming to be Jesus Christ. He later ignored signs and commands to stop, leading to another arrest in July when he entered a restricted area of the White House grounds.
After missing a court hearing in August, a judge issued a bench warrant for his arrest. However, the warrant only permitted arrest within the boundaries of the District of Columbia. It remains unclear if Best entered the district again before the Saturday shooting.
Katie Benner, a correspondent focused on large institutions in American life, contributed to this report.
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