A gunman was shot dead near the White House after exchanging fire with U.S. Secret Service officials on Saturday evening.
Authorities confirmed the incident and identified the shooter as Nasire Best, a 21-year-old man who had a history of mental health issues.
Kash Patel, in a post on X, said, “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.”
In a post on Truth Social, President Donald Trump appreciated the Secret Service for their “swift and professional action” in apprehending the gunman, who he said had a “violent history and possible obsession with our Country’s most cherished structure.”
The U.S. Secret Service, in a statement, confirmed that “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.”
It added, “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.”
