NBC reporter is ridiculed for her bizarre reaction on air to White House shooting
An NBC reporter went viral for her muted reaction after a shooter opened fire just outside the White House.
NBC News Capitol Hill correspondent Julie Tsirkin was on air near the White House lawn when shots rang out in Washington, D.C., on Saturday night.
The 28-year-old journalist turned towards the sound and turned to the camera before immediately asking with a confused look on his face: ‘What is this?’
A man then responded, “It sounds like fireworks,” prompting Tsirkin to take a step toward the sound of gunfire, which authorities said was coming from the Secret Service checkpoint.
He then turned to the camera, confused, and stared blankly at the man who appeared to be his cameraman.
The authorities then started shouting: ‘Out! Outside!’ The reporter immediately ran to the press briefing room with the others.
The gunman, Nasire Best, 21, was fatally shot after exchanging gunfire with Secret Service agents while the White House was on lockdown.
President Donald Trump was inside the building but was unharmed.
NBC News Capitol Hill correspondent Julie Tsirkin was on air near the White House lawn when shots rang out in Washington, D.C., on Saturday night. His calm response has since gone viral
Gunshots rang out at the Secret Service checkpoint just outside the White House around 6 p.m. on Saturday.
Compared to other reporters, many of whom ran for their lives, Tsirkin’s reaction led many to criticize his lack of urgency.
One X user said: ‘Nonsense… I would run away to hide.’
The suspected shooter was identified as 21-year-old Nasire Best. Shot dead by police forces
Another said: “This woman – Tsirkin has the survival instincts of a goldfish!” he wrote.
Another chimed in: ‘Zero situational awareness.’
Another user said his reaction was like a character in a horror movie.
‘If it were someone in a horror movie, it would be the person who hears the noise outside at night and says hello, alone with nothing but a flashlight in hand,’ they wrote.
While some were disturbed by his reaction, others embraced the moment as Tsirkin went viral with a series of memes.
The reporter even poked fun at the attention the clip has received since it hit the internet.
“I’m glad I was able to get one for the team with @nbcsnl over the summer break,” Tsirkin said, referring to the late-night sketch comedy show, which wrapped up its 51st season on May 16.
At one point Tsirkin appeared completely confused and simply asked: ‘What is this?’ during the report
Bullet holes and broken glass near the White House after the attack
After officials told journalists to hide in the press briefing room, Tsirkin ran towards it with an umbrella in his hand.
She smiled alongside an enlarged image of herself wearing a Trojan horse-inspired hat and added: ‘Thanks for the memes, internet! I hope you’ll stay here for the reporting.’
An adult male, whose name was not released, was struck by a bullet during the confrontation and was taken to a nearby hospital for medical care.
He underwent surgery and was in stable condition as of Sunday afternoon, according to the Secret Service and Metropolitan Police. New York Times.
Police continue to investigate exactly who shot the bystander.
When the gunshots first rang out, reporters at the White House said they heard about 20 to 30 gunshots.
ABC White House Correspondent Selena Wang appeared surprised when gunshots rang out while she was recording a report on her phone.
At the officials’ command, he immediately bowed before running towards the White House briefing room.
Best approached a Secret Service station and opened fire, pulling a gun from his bag and pointing it toward the agent booth.
The reporter even made fun of the attention the clip has received since it hit the internet
Secret Service Uniformed Division officers quickly returned fire, killing Best.
Best, who is known to the conservancy and has a documented history of mental health issues, had been living in Washington, D.C., for about 18 months, a source told CBS News.
The president was inside the Oval Office working on the Iran peace deal with Middle Eastern leaders.
Trump aides Steven Cheung, Natalie Harp, Margo Martin and others were with the president when the shooting occurred.
In the hours following the shooting, it became clear that the suspect believed he was Jesus, authorities said.
Following the chaos, Trump took to Truth Social and stated that Best “has a violent past and a possible obsession with our Nation’s most treasured structure.”
The attack occurred just outside the White House on Saturday evening.
ABC News Senior White House Correspondent Selina Wang was shocked when gunshots rang out while she was recording a segment on her phone
Appearing to be talking about the White House, the president added: ‘Thank you to our great Secret Service and Law Enforcement for the swift and professional action taken this evening near the White House against a gunman with a violent past and possible obsession with our Nation’s most treasured structure.
‘The gunman died following an exchange of gunfire with Secret Service Agents near the gates of the White House.
‘This incident suspended the White House Correspondent for a month’ [sic] The dinner shoot just goes to show how important it is for all future Presidents to have the safest and most secure space of its kind ever built in Washington DC. Our country’s National Security requires this!’
