Gunman killed near White House after shooting at checkpoint; bystander wounded

A man armed with a gun opened fire on a security checkpoint near the White House on Saturday evening, prompting a response from Secret Service officers who fatally shot the assailant. A bystander was also wounded in the incident.

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Thank you to our tremendous Secret Service and Law Enforcement agents for the rapid and professional response conducted this evening against a gunman near the White House, who had a history of violence and appeared to be obsessed with our country's most cherished building.

Authorities identified the suspect as 21-year-old Nasire Best, a resident of Maryland with a history of violence and an alleged obsession with the White House. According to reports, Best emerged from his bag and began shooting near the security perimeter shortly after 6 p.m. local time.

Secret Service agents returned fire, striking Best, who was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. The wounded bystander's condition was not immediately disclosed. President Donald Trump, who was inside the White House at the time, commended the swift response of the Secret Service and law enforcement.

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The Secret Service police officers returned fire and hit the suspect, who was transported to a regional hospital where his death was confirmed. During the shooting, a bystander was also hit by bullets.

Witnesses described hearing between 20 and 25 shots, initially mistaking them for fireworks. The area around the White House was cordoned off, and journalists were ordered to take shelter. The incident has raised questions about the security measures in place around the presidential residence.

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we heard between 20 and 25 detonations that sounded like fireworks, but they were gunshots, and everyone started running.