The suspect, identified as 21-year-old Nasire Best, reportedly began firing near a security post close to the White House grounds at approximately 6pm Washington D.C. time, which was around 11pm in Ireland.
Emergency crews rushed to the scene and the area surrounding the White House was temporarily locked down while federal authorities secured the perimeter. Best was taken to hospital but later died from his injuries.
One member of the public was also hurt during the incident. A spokesperson at the White House has stated that “It remains unclear whether the bystander was struck by the suspect’s initial gunfire or during the subsequent exchange of gunfire.”
President Donald Trump was inside the White House at the time but was not injured. In a statement afterwards, Trump commended the Secret Service for what he described as a "swift and professional action” in response to the attack.
The White House have stated that Nasire Best was known to them and had previously received a "stay away order". He has been described as mentally unwell by correspondants.
Investigators have not yet established a motive and there is currently no confirmation that Trump himself was the intended target. However, if the president was the focus of the attack, it would represent the third serious threat against his life reported this year.
The FBI and Secret Service are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting, including reports that the suspect may have previously come to the attention of authorities over attempts to access the White House grounds.
Following the incident, Trump once again promoted his proposal for a newly designed White House ballroom and security expansion project, claiming the shooting highlighted the need for stronger protection measures for future presidents.
