The suspect in a shooting near the White House has died after being shot by police officers, the US Secret Service (USSS) said. A man approached a White House security checkpoint at approximately 11pm BST (6pm local time) before pulling a weapon from a bag and firing at officers, the USSS said.
Anthony Guglielmi, USSS chief of communications, said: “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.”
It wasn’t immediately clear whether the bystander was struck by the suspect’s alleged initial gunfire or during the gunshots that followed, NBC reports.
No officers were harmed and an investigation has been launched, the USSS added.
According to a reporter, “approximately 20-30” shots were heard in the area before Secret Service officials rushed to take reporters inside.
Julie Trskin, a reporter for NBC News, wrote on X: “GUNSHOTS heard outside of the White House. Approximately 20-30. Secret service told those of us gathered on the north lawn to run inside the press briefing room.”
The reporter then shared a picture of an armed officer outside a door, adding: “Outside the press briefing doors right now…
USSS officers, gun drawn, told us to run inside. White House now on lockdown.”
Pictures shared on social media appear to show snipers on the roof of the building with another armed officer striding down the White House lawn.
CBS and other US media outlets have identified the suspect as Nasire Best, who was known to law enforcement agencies.
Donald Trump was inside the White House at the time of the incident. Taking to Truth Social, he thanked the officers involved in the “swift and professional action”.
It comes after President Trump said Saturday that a deal with Iran on the war, including opening the Strait of Hormuz, has been “largely negotiated” after calls with Israel and other allies in the region.
“Final aspects and details of the Deal are currently being discussed, and will be announced shortly,” Trump said on social media, with no details. He said he had spoken with leaders from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan and Bahrain, and separately with Israel.
