Bystander Injured in Gunfire Exchange Near White House

The bystander injured during an exchange of gunfire between Secret Service agents and a gunman near the White House is recovering. According to law enforcement officials, the individual is in stable condition following surgery. The Metropolitan Police Department continues to investigate the incident.

The shooter, identified as Nasire Best, 21, from Dundalk, Maryland, initiated the attack after approaching the northwestern corner of the White House complex around 6 p.m. on Saturday. Officials state Best pulled out a gun and fired at a Secret Service checkpoint. Secret Service agents responded with gunfire, killing him.

An unidentified male bystander was injured amidst the gunfire. Emergency medical personnel transported him to a hospital where he underwent surgery. Authorities are working to ascertain who fired the shots that injured the bystander.

The investigation aims to piece together the events of the shooting, including the number of shots fired and the justification of the Secret Service’s use of force. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia will review the completed investigation.

Secret Service reports no agents were harmed during the incident. Audio recordings from television reporters present before the attack captured sounds resembling dozens of shots exchanged between Best and the Secret Service.

Nasire Best had previously come to the attention of law enforcement. According to an affidavit submitted to D.C. Superior Court, Secret Service had flagged him nearly a year prior for his inquiries about entry at various White House checkpoints.

In June, he blocked a vehicle on the east side of the White House and was charged with unlawful entry. When arrested, Best claimed he was Jesus Christ and expressed a desire to be arrested. Then in July, he breached a restricted area of the White House, ignoring signs and commands. Following his arrest, a judge scheduled a hearing and issued a stay-away order for the White House vicinity.

Best failed to appear for the hearing, leading to a bench warrant for his arrest within the District of Columbia. Although Best resided near Baltimore, it remains unclear if he entered the district before the recent shooting. The warrant limitations prevented his arrest outside the district.