Overview
- Multiple shots were fired near the White House on Saturday and the shooter was killed after exchanging fire with the U.S. Secret Service; some outlets identified him as Nasire Best.
- A short clip posted by NBC10 Boston captured NBC correspondent Julie Tsirkin saying “What is that?” as gunfire rang out and that clip spread rapidly online.
- Tsirkin acknowledged the memes on X with a lighthearted post saying, “Thanks for the memes, internet! Hope you'll stick around for the reporting.”
- Other on-scene journalists reacted differently, with ABC’s Selina Wang seen diving for cover before reporters were escorted to the White House briefing room for safety.
- The episode has shifted part of the coverage to how short social clips shape public views of news events and to questions about press safety and Secret Service procedures, while formal investigative or legal updates about the shooter have not yet been reported.