A bystander who was wounded in a shooting near a White House security checkpoint on Saturday night is in serious but stable condition, authorities have confirmed.
Incident Details
The suspect, identified as 21-year-old Nasire Best from Dundalk, Maryland, was fatally shot by US Secret Service officers after he began firing towards the checkpoint. The shooting took place shortly before midnight, prompting a swift response from law enforcement.
The unidentified bystander sustained a non-life-threatening gunshot wound and is currently being treated at a local hospital. Officials have not yet clarified how the individual was struck, but they remain in serious but stable condition.
President's Response
President Donald Trump was inside the White House at the time of the incident. He thanked officers for their rapid response in confronting the suspect. In his remarks, he also advocated for his proposed ballroom on the White House campus, for which he is seeking $1 billion in congressional funding, though the connection to the shooting was not elaborated.
Best had a prior encounter with law enforcement near the White House in July, during which he attempted to enter the grounds, failed to comply with officers' commands, and claimed to be Jesus Christ. The motive for Saturday's attack remains under investigation.
