Gunman Identified as Nasire Best Shot Dead by Secret Service Near White House - PRESS AI WORLD
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Gunman Identified as Nasire Best Shot Dead by Secret Service Near White House

Credited from: ALJAZEERA

  • Nasire Best, 21, was shot and killed by Secret Service agents after opening fire near the White House.
  • Best identified as mentally troubled, previously attempted unauthorized access to the White House.
  • A bystander was injured during the exchange, but no Secret Service personnel were wounded.
  • President Trump was in the White House during the incident, which caused a temporary lockdown.
  • The FBI has launched an investigation into the shooting and Best's background.

The gunman, identified as Nasire Best, a 21-year-old Maryland resident, was shot dead by US Secret Service agents following a shooting incident at a security checkpoint near the White House on Saturday evening. Best allegedly opened fire at officers after approaching the checkpoint at the intersection of 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, prompting a massive security response. He was pronounced dead at the hospital while a bystander sustained a serious but non-life-threatening injury, according to reports from India Times, Los Angeles Times, and Al Jazeera.

Investigations reveal that Best had a documented history of mental health issues and prior encounters with the Secret Service. Notably, he was known to have violated a "stay-away order" directed at preventing him from approaching the White House after prior incidents, during which he had claimed to be Jesus Christ and expressed a desire to be arrested. According to India Times and Los Angeles Times, his troubling online behavior included referring to himself as a "real" version of Osama bin Laden and making threats against President Trump.

The shooting unfolded shortly after 6 p.m. local time, causing chaos among journalists stationed nearby. Reports indicated that the sound of gunfire led journalists to seek cover, as detailed by Los Angeles Times and India Times. Following the incident, the White House complex was locked down for approximately 40 minutes to ensure the safety of individuals inside, including President Trump, who was unharmed during the event.

In the aftermath, the FBI announced a joint investigation into the shooting, emphasizing the gravity of this security breach. This incident marks the third shooting scare near the White House in recent weeks, raising concerns about security measures surrounding the presidential complex, as noted by Al Jazeera.

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