JamzNG Latest News, Gist, Entertainment in Nigeria
The White House was temporarily placed on lockdown Saturday evening after a gunman opened fire near a checkpoint near the presidential complex in Washington, D.C.
The incident occurred shortly after 6pm at the intersection of 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW, when the suspect allegedly pulled a firearm from a bag and began shooting at Secret Service agents stationed at the checkpoint.
Secret Service personnel responded immediately, returning fire and seriously wounding the gunman, who was later confirmed dead at a nearby hospital.
Authorities said the investigation into the shooting was ongoing.
A passer-by was injured
A bystander was also shot during the firefight, although officials said it was unclear whether the bullet came from the suspect or law enforcement.
The victim’s condition was not immediately released.
Law enforcement identified the suspect as Nasire Best and revealed he had previous encounters with police and a documented history of mental health issues.
President Donald Trump, who was inside the White House during the incident, was not harmed.
The Secret Service confirmed that none of its agents were injured during the attack.
Heavy security response
An NBC News crew near the White House reported hearing between 20 and 30 shots around 6:04 p.m.
Secret Service agents immediately directed reporters gathered on the North Lawn to the press conference room as security was heightened throughout the complex.
Armed officers were later seen positioned outside the meeting room as the lockdown remained in place.
The restrictions were finally lifted around 6.46pm
Survey in progress
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed on X that FBI agents had joined the Secret Service in investigating the incident.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Metropolitan Police Department also attended the scene.
The shooting occurred along the western side of Pennsylvania Avenue, a pedestrian area next to the north side of the White House that had only recently reopened to the public after months of closure.
In an official statement published on X, the White House confirmed that the suspect pulled a gun from a bag and opened fire before Secret Service agents responded.
The statement added that the suspect later died at a nearby hospital, while a bystander suffered gunshot wounds.
He also said that no officers or protected persons were harmed and that White House operations were not disrupted.
Washington Post
