Shots Fired Near US White House; Gunman Killed; Donald Trump was inside presidential complex at the time of incident
In a shooting incident that took place near the White House in Washington, D.C., on Saturday evening, one person was injured, while the suspected gunman was killed.
The gunman allegedly believed he was Jesus Christ was identified as the suspect in the shooting outside the White House and was later killed by US Secret Service personnel during exchange of gunfire near the presidential complex
According to preliminary information, investigators believe Best was a mentally troubled person who had prior encounters with law enforcement and federal security agencies.
Sources said he was previously known to the Secret Service for repeatedly loitering around restricted White House entry points and had allegedly violated an earlier court order telling him to stay away from the area.
US President Donald Trump was inside the White House at the time of the incident. In fact, around 6:00 PM, several journalists present at the White House heard the sound of gunfire.
According to a statement by the Secret Service, an individual near 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue drew a weapon from his bag and opened fire.
Secret Service officers returned fire, and the suspect was struck. He was transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. A passerby was also shot during the exchange of gunfire.
No officers were injured in this shooting incident. The President was inside the White House at the time of the incident; however, neither his security nor his official duties were affected.
Sources told that between 15 and 30 shots were fired. It appeared that an individual approached Secret Service agents and opened fire on them, but he was unsuccessful. The agents subsequently returned fire.
FBI Director Kash Patel stated that the Secret Service is actively investigating the incident. As of now, no statement regarding the incident has been issued by President Trump.
Notably, just one month ago, a shooting incident also occurred during the White House Correspondents' Dinner. On that occasion as well, the suspected attacker was apprehended.