Gunman shot dead by Secret Service agents near White House: What we know

A man has been shot dead by United States Secret Service officers after opening fire on a security checkpoint near the White House, and a bystander has been wounded in the gunfire.

Several US media outlets have identified the gunman as Nasire Best, a 21-year-old man from the neighbouring state of Maryland who was known to the Secret Service and had a documented history of mental health conditions.

Shortly after 6pm (22:00 GMT) on Saturday, the suspect approached a Secret Service checkpoint at the intersection of 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, DC, pulled a weapon from his bag and began shooting at officers posted there, the Secret Service said in a statement. The gunman was taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead. No Secret Service officers were wounded.

President Donald Trump was in the White House during the incident but “no protectees or operations were impacted,” the Secret Service said. The White House was immediately placed under lockdown.

Here’s what we know so far:

Who was the gunman?

US media say Best had tried to get close to the White House on several occasions last year.

The Reuters news agency said he had violated a “stay-away order” and had been identified as an emotionally disturbed person.

CNN reported that Best blocked an entry lane to the White House in June last year and was detained by the Secret Service. He claimed to be Jesus and said he wanted to be arrested. He was sent to the Psychiatric Institute of Washington for a mental evaluation.

According to CBS News, Best again tried to gain access to the White House in July and was arrested nearby by Secret Service agents. Once again, he was sent to a psychiatric ward.

Best had been living in Washington, DC, for about 18 months, CBS said.

CNN said social media accounts linked to Best included one post that appeared to threaten violence against Trump and another in which he wrote: “I’m actually the son of God.”

Where did the incident happen?

The intersection of 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue is on the northwest edge of the White House complex.

The main White House building is about 300 metres (980ft) away in a straight line. Walking there from the location of the shooting would take at least three minutes without taking into account all the security checkpoints along the way.

What has been Trump’s reaction?

In a post on his Truth Social network, Trump wrote: “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.”