Gunman shot dead near White House after opening fire at checkpoint

A man armed with a firearm was fatally shot by Secret Service agents on Saturday evening after he discharged his weapon near a checkpoint close to the White House. The incident occurred around 6 p.m. local time.

The shooter, identified as 21-year-old Nasser Best, began firing at a security post after being noticed behaving suspiciously in the vicinity of 17th Street NW in Washington. According to security sources, Best managed to fire only a limited number of shots before agents returned fire, killing him instantly.

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dozens of gunshots

Reports indicate that at least one bystander was seriously injured during the exchange of gunfire. The New York Post reported that the assailant was known to security services due to repeated appearances near White House entrances. He had previously undergone involuntary psychiatric commitment and had been arrested in July for trespassing near the White House.

Following the shooting, the Secret Service immediately imposed a security lockdown on the White House complex. Journalists present at the scene were urgently directed to the press briefing room amidst the commotion. The sounds of gunfire caused panic among media professionals covering White House news. This event transpired less than two hours after President Donald Trump announced via Truth Social that he was in the Oval Office working on a peace agreement with Iran.

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I am the Messiah and I wanted to be arrested.