US President Donald Trump expressed gratitude to the Secret Service and law enforcement for their "swift and professional action" during a shooting incident near the White House on Saturday, while also reiterating his push for a $400 million ballroom.
Incident Details
The shooting suspect, identified as 21-year-old Nasire Best, "pulled a weapon from his bag" in the vicinity of 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue shortly after 6 p.m. ET and opened fire, according to the Secret Service. Agents shot and killed Best, and a bystander was also struck, though it remains unclear whether the bystander was hit by the suspect's bullets or by officers' fire. No Secret Service officers were injured.
Trump's Response
In a statement following the shooting, 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." He added, "The gunman is dead after an exchange of gunfire with Secret Service Agents near the White House gates."
Trump further linked the incident to his ongoing proposal for a ballroom, stating: "This event is one month removed from the White House Correspondents' Dinner shooting, and goes to show how important it is, for all future Presidents, to get, what will be, the most safe and secure space of its kind ever built in Washington, D.C. The National Security of our Country demands it!"
Context
The shooting comes just one month after a similar incident at the White House Correspondents' Dinner, heightening security concerns around the executive mansion. The Secret Service is continuing its investigation into the suspect's motives and background.
