'Swift And Professional Action': Trump Praises Secret Service In First Reaction After White House Shooting

US President Donald Trump on Saturday praised the Secret Service and law enforcement agencies for their “swift and professional action” after a gunman was shot dead near the White House.

In a statement posted on social media, Trump said the suspect had a “violent history” and a possible “obsession” with the White House.

“The gunman is dead after an exchange of gunfire with Secret Service Agents near the White House gates,” Trump wrote.

He also linked the incident to broader concerns around presidential security, saying the shooting highlighted the need for what he described as “the most safe and secure space of its kind ever built in Washington, D.C.”

“The National Security of our Country demands it!” he added.

What Happened?

According to the US Secret Service,

the shooting took place near 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW, close to a White House security checkpoint, shortly after 6 pm local time. Authorities said the suspect approached the checkpoint carrying a bag, pulled out a firearm and opened fire toward officers stationed there.

Secret Service personnel returned fire, killing the suspect. The area around the White House was briefly locked down following the incident.

Officials said President Trump was inside the White House at the time and was not harmed.

Who Was The Suspect?

Authorities have not officially released the identity of the suspect. However, multiple US media reports identified him as 21-year-old Nasire Best. Reports said he had previous encounters with the Secret Service and allegedly suffered from mental health issues.

Trump, in his statement, described the suspect as someone with a “violent history” and a possible “obsession with our Country’s most cherished structure”.

Bystander Injured, Probe Underway

Officials confirmed that a bystander was also injured during the shooting, though it remains unclear whether the person was struck by bullets fired by the suspect or during the return fire by officers.

The FBI and Secret Service have launched an investigation into the incident. Authorities are examining the suspect’s background, motive and the sequence of events leading up to the shooting