A bystander is in serious but stable condition after being struck by gunfire during a shooting incident near a White House security checkpoint. The incident occurred when a man, identified as 21-year-old Nasire Best from Dundalk, Maryland, opened fire on the checkpoint. Secret Service officers returned fire, fatally wounding Best.

Incident Details

The shooting took place early Saturday evening, and authorities have released limited details about the event. The bystander, whose identity has not been disclosed, suffered a gunshot wound that is not considered life-threatening. It remains unclear how the bystander was hit during the exchange of gunfire.

President Donald Trump was present in the White House at the time of the shooting. This incident marks the third shooting near the President in the past month. Previous incidents included an armed individual at the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner in April and another shooting near the Washington Monument earlier this month.

Suspect’s Background

Nasire Best had a prior encounter with law enforcement near the White House. According to D.C. court records, he was arrested last July for attempting to enter White House grounds at a different checkpoint. During that incident, Best ignored officers’ commands to stop, claimed to be Jesus Christ, and expressed a desire to be arrested.

Best was a former track and field athlete at Dundalk High School, graduating in 2023. His mother, speaking to The Washington Post, expressed disbelief upon learning about the shooting through social media, stating that her son was never violent.

Security Concerns

In response to the shooting, President Trump highlighted the need for enhanced security measures at the White House. He proposed a $1 billion plan to Congress for security additions, including a new ballroom on the site of the former East Wing, emphasizing its importance for future Presidents.

Original reporting: Dallas TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.