US authorities have identified the individual involved in the shooting outside the White House on Saturday as 21-year-old Nasire Best, according a a report by NBC News quoting law enforcement sources. The report added that Best had a history with law enforcement and was battling "mental health" issues. According to the authorities, the gunman opened fire on United States Secret Service officers near the White House on Saturday evening before being shot dead by agents. The shooting took place shortly after 18:00 local time near 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW, just a short distance from the White House complex, according to the Secret Service. While a motive for the attack hasn't been confirmed, sources quoted by The New York Post said Best is a mentally troubled individual who believed he was Jesus Christ and is known to the Secret Service and has violated a pervious court order to stay away from the White House. Officials said the suspect approached a security checkpoint carrying a bag before producing a firearm and opening fire on officers stationed in the area. "A preliminary investigation indicates that as the individual approached, he removed a weapon from his bag and began firing at posted officers," the Secret Service said in a statement. Officers returned fire, striking the gunman, who was later taken to hospital where he died from his injuries. Authorities have not yet publicly identified the suspect, and investigators are now working to establish his motives and whether he had any known links to extremist groups or previous threats involving federal officials. According to a Reuters report, the suspect was an emotionally disturbed person and had a "stay-away order" previously issued against him. A bystander was also shot in the incident, the Secret Service said. "It remains unclear whether the bystander was struck by the suspect’s initial gunfire or during the subsequent exchange of gunfire," the statement said. According to a report by CNN, the bystander has also passed away. Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from US News and around the World. Rounak is a journalist with over 7 years of experience covering geopolitical and international affairs. He has a keen interest in research and explain... View More