Crime
White House Shooting Suspect ID’d as Nasir Best, Nasire believed he was Jesus Christ
Bystander Dies After Gunfire Erupts Near Security Checkpoint
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Authorities have identified the gunman involved in the shooting near the White House as 21-year-old Nasir Best, a man sources say had a documented history of severe mental health issues and prior encounters with federal authorities.
According to law enforcement sources, Best allegedly opened fire near a security checkpoint at approximately 6:10 p.m. Saturday along 17th Street Northwest near Pennsylvania Avenue, just outside the White House perimeter.
Investigators said witnesses observed Best pacing back and forth in an erratic manner before he reportedly pulled out a revolver and fired several shots toward officers stationed near the checkpoint.
Officials said members of the United States Secret Service immediately returned fire, striking Best. Sources described the response as a rapid barrage of gunfire that ended the attack within seconds.
Authorities said Best died from his injuries at the scene or shortly afterward. No federal officers were injured during the incident.
Investigators stated that Best was known to the Secret Service and had previously been subject to a court order directing him to stay away from the White House complex.
Officials also confirmed that a bystander struck during the exchange of gunfire later died from injuries sustained in the incident. The identity of the civilian victim has not yet been publicly released.
The shooting caused chaos in the area surrounding the White House. Members of the media covering activity near the White House were reportedly seen diving for cover after numerous shots rang out. Secret Service personnel directed journalists and staff members to shelter inside the White House press briefing room as the scene unfolded.
Authorities have not officially confirmed a motive, though sources indicated Best allegedly suffered from significant mental health issues and reportedly believed he was Jesus Christ.
Federal investigators continue processing evidence and reviewing surveillance footage from the scene. The incident remains under active investigation by multiple federal law enforcement agencies.
The shooting occurred roughly one month after another armed incident connected to the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, heightening concerns about security in areas surrounding the White House complex.
Crime
14-Year-Old Middleton High School Student Carson Chrapkowski Dies After Bicycle Crash, Driver Alyssa Anderson Arrested
MIDDLETON, Idaho — A 14-year-old Middleton High School student has died after being struck by a vehicle while riding his bicycle near the high school Friday night, according to the Middleton Police Department.
The teenager was transported by Life Flight to St. Luke’s Boise following the crash but died from his injuries early Saturday morning.
Middleton police said the crash involved a vehicle and a bicyclist near Middleton High School. The 14-year-old suffered critical injuries and was flown to a Boise hospital for emergency medical treatment.
Police announced Saturday morning that the young bicyclist had succumbed to his injuries.
The teen was identified in the information provided for this report as Carson Chrapkowski, a Middleton High School student. However, the police department’s public statement did not release the teenager’s name.
Police arrested 41-year-old Alyssa Louise Anderson in connection with the crash. Anderson was booked into the Canyon County Jail.
According to police, Anderson is facing charges of vehicular manslaughter, aggravated DUI and leaving the scene of an injury accident.
Authorities have not released additional details about the circumstances leading up to the collision or the specific allegations supporting the DUI charge.
The crash remains under investigation by the Middleton Police Department and Idaho State Police. Investigators have not released further information about the sequence of events or whether additional charges could be filed.
Police said they are continuing to work to establish the circumstances surrounding the fatal crash.
The Middleton Police Department expressed condolences to the teenager’s parents, family, friends, classmates and others affected by his death as the community mourns the loss of a young student.