White House shooting scare: Shooting prompts Trump to issue presidential security warning | Today’s news
US President Donald Trump on Sunday (May 24) referred to a separate shooting linked to the recent White House Correspondents’ Dinner and responded to a fatal shooting near the White House that left an armed suspect dead.
Trump made the announcement in a statement posted on Truth Social the latest violence underscored the urgent need for a stronger presidential security infrastructure in Washington, DC.
“This event comes one month removed from the filming of the White House Correspondents’ Dinner and shows how important it is for all future presidents to acquire what will be the safest and most secure space of its kind ever built in Washington, D.C. Our country’s national security demands it!” Trump wrote.
Gunman killed after shootout near White House
The statement came after a shooting near the White House security checkpoint on Friday night.
According to reports, the suspect allegedly opened fire near the intersection of 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW, near the White House perimeter. Secret Service officers returned fire, killing the gunman.
Authorities said no officers were injured, although at least one bystander was reportedly hit during the exchange.
Trump praised the response of the Secret Service and other law enforcement agencies.
“Thank you to our great Secret Service and law enforcement for the swift and professional action taken tonight against the shooter near the White House,” he wrote.
Trump also described the suspect as someone with a “violent past and possible obsession” at the White House.
Suspect identified as Nasire Best
The suspect was identified as 21-year-old Nasire Best, who reportedly had prior encounters with law enforcement and a documented history of mental health concerns.
“The shooter is dead after a shootout with Secret Service agents near the gates of the White House,” Trump said.
Investigators have not yet released further details regarding the motive for the shooting.
A heavy security presence outside the White House
After the incident, evidence markers and crime scene tape covered sections of the sidewalk in front of the White House complex.
Witnesses reported seeing Secret Service officers placing dozens of orange evidence markers near the checkpoint area. Medical supplies, including surgical gloves and emergency treatment kits, were also seen at the scene.
The area remained heavily secured late into the evening as investigators processed evidence.
A number of security incidents are causing concern
Authorities said Saturday’s shooting marked the third shooting-related incident in areas associated with Trump in the past month.
The previous incident occurred on April 25 during the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner at a Washington hotel.
Prosecutors say the suspect, Cole Tomas Allen, went through security and fired a shotgun at a Secret Service officer during what investigators described as an assassination attempt targeting Trump.
Allen pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The latest shooting also happened within walking distance of a deadly November ambush that targeted members of the West Virginia National Guard.
U.S. Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, was killed in that attack, while Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe suffered serious injuries. Rahmanullah Lakanwal has been charged in connection with the shooting.
Read also | Who was Nasire Best? Secret Service Identifies White House Shooting Suspect
