Gunman shot dead after opening fire near White House

A gunman was killed by United States Secret Service agents after opening fire near the White House on Saturday evening. 

The incident occurred shortly after 6pm local time when the suspect reportedly pulled a weapon from his bag and began shooting near the White House security perimeter.

According to the Secret Service, agents immediately returned fire, fatally wounding the attacker.

A bystander was also struck during the exchange and rushed to hospital, while no Secret Service officer was injured.

President Donald Trump was inside the White House at the time of the shooting but was not harmed.

Reacting to the incident, Trump praised the swift response of security operatives.

“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,” he said on Truth Social.

Authorities identified the suspect as 21-year-old Nasire Best from Maryland. US media reports said he had a history of mental health concerns and previous interactions with the Secret Service.

The shooting caused chaos around the White House as police, Secret Service agents and National Guard troops flooded the area and sealed off nearby streets.

Witnesses described hearing multiple gunshots before people began running for safety.

Journalists at the White House were ordered to take cover, while an ABC News correspondent captured the sound of the gunfire during a live recording.