Washington D.C.: A lone gunman who reportedly called himself Jesus Christ opened fire outside the White House while attempting to breach security with a revolver, striking a bystander before being shot and killed by Secret Service agents, with court documents showing he had previously drawn the attention of authorities at the same location, according to BBC.
Authorities reported that a young male, Nasire Best, 21, was seen suspiciously pacing around by 17th St. Northwest before he began firing at a checkpoint Saturday evening. Best managed to get three shots off before agents returned fire with a hail of bullets, successfully eliminating the threat, sources said.
Best was pronounced dead, and one bystander was seriously injured as a result of the chaotic shootout near the White House, where President Trump was present.
It is not clear what sparked the shooting, but it was reported that Best had a history of mental health issues and was known to law enforcement, particularly the Secret Service, who had had previous run-ins with the shooter.
Best was previously cited for hovering around government entry points and was issued a court order to avoid the White House vicinity.
In one previous example, it was reported that Best approached a restricted pedestrian entry point but ignored all commands given to him by the uniformed Secret Service agents. Sources said he then "claimed he was Jesus Christ and that he wanted to get arrested”. He was taken into custody and subsequently charged.
It is unclear if Best used these opportunities to “test the response time and capabilities” of first responders as commonly seen with trained terrorist tactics, but given his reported mental health history, it is unlikely to be that sophisticated.
In another incident, it was reported that Best was observed walking around the White House complex asking passers-by how to gain access, and also involuntarily committed last year for interfering with authorized vehicles entering the White House premises.
FBI Director Kush Patel issued a statement over the most recent incident and wrote, “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.”
Several members of the media were present and reporting live from the White House grounds when the shooting began. Several can be seen on air initially confused, then soon realized what was occurring and ran for cover.
“I was in the middle of taping on my iPhone for a social video from the White House North Lawn when we heard the shots,” Selina Wang, a White House correspondent, said. “It sounded like dozens of gunshots. We were told to sprint to the press briefing room, where we are holding now.”
Secret Service immediately put the White House on lockdown, and all reporters scurried towards the north lawn and into the press briefing room. Approximately 30 minutes after the initial shots were fired, the lockdown was lifted.
President Trump was present at the White House, and only two hours earlier, he had taken to Truth Social and posted that his administration was working to get a peace deal with Iran.
All indicators point to the fact that there seems to be less of a political motive, and the incident was more driven by Best’s mental health issues. However, several prominent public figures from both sides of the aisle condemned the attack.
Additionally, law enforcement officers involved in the response were given praise for their heroic efforts.
House Speaker Johnson (R-LA) was among those grateful for the “brave Secret Service agents who took quick, decisive action to protect President Trump, and our prayers are with victims of tonight’s senseless shooting for a speedy recovery.”
President Trump gave the biggest praise.
“Thank you to our great Secret Service and Law Enforcement for the swift and professional action taken this evening against a gunman near the White House, who had a violent history and possible obsession with our Country’s most cherished structure,” Trump wrote on Truth Social the following morning of the attack. “The gunman is dead after an exchange of gunfire with Secret Service Agents near the White House gates. This event is one month removed from the White House Correspondent’ Dinner shooting, and goes to show how important it is, for all future Presidents, to get, what will be, the most safe and secure space of its kind ever built in Washington, D.C. The National Security of our Country demands it!”
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Writer and author Eddie Molina has over 25 years of combined LEO and military service. Learn more about his interview articles at www.eddiemolina.com
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