NBC reporter criticized for reaction during White House shooting incident

On a Saturday evening in Washington, a shooting occurred outside the White House when a 21-year-old assailant opened fire at a security checkpoint. Secret Service agents returned fire, killing the suspect, identified as Nasir Best. President Donald Trump was inside the building at the time and remained unharmed. NBC News correspondent Julie Tsirkin, who was reporting live nearby, faced public criticism for her initial reaction to the gunfire. Video footage shows Tsirkin asking what the sound was, and momentarily stepping toward the noise after a colleague suggested it might be fireworks, before eventually running to the press briefing room on instructions from officials. Tsirkin later explained that she and her crew heard approximately 20 to 30 shots before being ordered to evacuate. While some social media users compared her reaction unfavorably to other journalists who sought cover immediately, others defended her, noting that she complied with instructions once the danger was confirmed.