US Embassy in Nairobi closes as terrorist trying to overrun security is shot dead

An unknown assailant trying to gain access into the heavily fortified US Embassy in Gigiri was shot four times in the head by GSU officers tasked with protecting the embassy building.

A 22 year old suspected Al-Shabaab terrorist was shot dead yesterday October 27 after he attacked a GSU officer manning security at the US embassy.

The lone terrorist walked up to the GSU officer, pulled out a knife and stabbed him in the face. The officer wrestled him and managed to pull out his gun and shot the terrorist four times.

The assailant died on the spot; passersby took photos of the lifeless body that remained lying on the ground after the incident.

FBI agents stationed in US embassy rushed to the scene of the attack and inspected the deceased’s body for concealed weapons.

Meanwhile the US embassy has announced that it will remain closed to the public on October 28. In a Facebook post, US embassy said routine consular services had been cancelled, only emergency consular services for U.S. citizens continues to be available.   

“The U.S. Embassy wishes to inform U.S. citizens of a shooting incident outside the Embassy today.  No Embassy personnel were involved and no U.S. citizens are known to have been affected by this incident.  The Embassy will be closed to the public on October 28.  While routine consular services have been cancelled, emergency consular services for U.S. citizens continue to be available.    Review your personal security plans, remain aware of your surroundings, including local events, and monitor local news stations for updates.  Be vigilant and take appropriate steps to enhance your personal security.   For further information:   · We strongly recommend that U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Nairobi enroll in the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).  STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates, and makes it easier for the U.S. embassy or nearest U.S. consulate to contact you in an emergency.  If you don’t have Internet access, enroll directly with the U.S. Embassy.   · Regularly monitor the State Department's website, where you can find current Travel Warnings, including the Travel Warning for Kenya, Travel Alerts, and the Worldwide Caution.  Please read our Kenya Specific Information.  For additional information, refer to “Traveler’s Checklist” on the State Department’s website.   · Contact the U.S. Embassy for up-to-date information on travel restrictions.  You can also call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries.  These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).  Follow us on Twitter and Facebook to have travel information at your fingertips.   · The U.S. Embassy in Nairobi is located on United Nations Avenue Gigiri, Nairobi, Kenya , tel. +254-20-363-6000.  You can contact the Consular Section of the Embassy by phone at +254(0)20-363-6451 from 7:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 7:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. on Friday, unless