A bystander was injured after gunfire erupted near a White House checkpoint. U.S. Secret Service officers fatally shot the assailant. The bystander remains in serious but stable condition according to updates on Sunday.
The Secret Service reported that the injured individual, whose identity remains undisclosed, suffered a gunshot wound that is not life-threatening. Details about how the bystander was struck are unclear.
The suspect, 21-year-old Nasire Best from Dundalk, Maryland, fired toward a White House security checkpoint. Secret Service officers returned fire. Best later died at a hospital. No officers were harmed, as confirmed by Secret Service Director Sean Curran.
“Our thoughts are also with the innocent bystander who was wounded during this incident,” Curran stated. “The Secret Service is hopeful he will make a full recovery.”
President Donald Trump was present in the White House during the event. This marks the third shooting incident near the president within a month. The previous incidents involved an armed individual at the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner and another near the Washington Monument.
In a Truth Social post, Trump speculated that the shooter had a fascination with the White House. He highlighted plans for a ballroom to enhance security, urging Congress for a $1 billion investment.
District of Columbia court records show Best had a previous encounter with law enforcement at the White House last July. He attempted to enter the grounds, ignoring officers and claiming to be Jesus Christ.
Best’s mother expressed disbelief and noted that her son was not violent, despite online rumors. Best graduated from Dundalk High School in 2023, where he participated in track and field.
Leave a Reply