May 23, 2026, signs mark what are believed to be evidence locations within an area cordoned off by yellow tape following a shooting incident near the White House in Washington D.C. [Reuters/Kylie Cooper]

The gunman, who was shot and killed by the Secret Service on Friday afternoon (local time) near the White House in Washington D.C., has been identified as Nasir Best, a 21-year-old resident of Maryland.

Reports indicate that he suffered from mental illness and had previous encounters with the Secret Service.

The Secret Service stated that the suspect approached a security checkpoint on that day, "pulled a weapon from his bag, and began firing at uniformed officers."

A bystander at the scene was also struck by gunfire, and their current condition is unknown. 

The New York Post obtained a photo of the shooter, reporting that he believed himself to be Jesus Christ.

Earlier on Saturday, FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that the shooter had opened fire, and police responded to the scene.

The shooting is reported to have occurred at the intersection of 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest.

Reporters who heard the gunfire rushed into the White House briefing room.

The incident occurred just two hours after President Donald Trump announced that peace negotiations with Iran had entered their final stages at the White House.

NNP Chief Editor Hong Seong-gu / Special Correspondent NNP info@newsandpost.com