WASHINGTON (TNND) — Secret Service agents shot, and killed a gunman near the White House on Saturday, the agency said.
Two people were shot, including a possible suspect, in an encounter with the Secret Service near the White House, according to a law enforcement official. The incident occurred near Pennsylvania Avenue and 17th Street Northwest.
A gunman approached a gate on the west side of the White House around 6 p.m. brandishing a pistol and fired three times toward the building, prompting Secret Service to return fire. The gunman was reportedly shot by Secret Service after firing toward the White House, when a bystander was also struck during the exchange of gunfire. The alleged shooter did not get insider the perimeter of the White House.
It was not immediately clear who fired the shots that struck the bystander.
The alleged shooter died after being transported to a nearby hospital, according to the Secret Service.
“No injuries were sustained by officers. The President was in the White House during the incident, however no protectees or operations were impacted,” Secret Service said in a statement. “This incident remains under investigation and additional information will be released as it becomes available.
Nasire Best, 21, fired at a checkpoint at about 6:10 p.m. after being seen pacing in a strange manner up and down 17th St. Northwest, sources told The New York Post. One bystander was hit and seriously wounded, sources said.
FBI Director Kash Patel shared on X, “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.”
Video shows multiple sounds of what could be gunshots in the background.
According to ABC reporting, reporters were told to sprint and evacuate into the White House Press Briefing Room.
On X, Secret Service said it was “aware of reports of shots fired near 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW” — one block from the White House — and was “working to corroborate the information with personnel on the ground.”
A reporter for NBC shared on X that there were allegedly approximately 20-30 rounds heard.
