WASHINGTON: A gunman was killed Saturday evening after opening fire near a White House security checkpoint and engaging in a shootout with U.S. Secret Service agents, officials confirmed.
The suspect has been identified as 21-year-old Nasire Best, a Washington, D.C. resident known to law enforcement with a documented history of mental health conditions.
The Incident
The shooting occurred shortly before 18:00 local time (23:00 GMT) at the intersection of 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW, adjacent to the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. According to officials, Best drew a revolver from a bag and began firing outside the security perimeter.
Secret Service personnel stationed at the checkpoint immediately returned fire, striking the suspect. Best was transported to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Casualties: One bystander sustained injuries during the incident; details on their condition have not been released. No law enforcement officers were injured.
Impact on Protectees: President Donald Trump was inside the White House at the time of the shooting, but the Secret Service confirmed that "no protectees or operations were impacted."
Suspect Background and Investigation
Law enforcement sources indicated that Best had been residing in Washington, D.C. for approximately 18 months and was previously known to both the Secret Service and the Metropolitan Police Department. In July 2025, Best was arrested after attempting to breach the White House complex, after which he was placed in a psychiatric facility.
The area surrounding the White House remained cordoned off overnight as federal and local authorities continued their investigation.
Media and Official Responses
The gunfire prompted an immediate lockdown of the White House press corps. Journalists working on the North Lawn were instructed by security personnel to take cover inside the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room, where they were held for approximately 30 minutes.
President Trump commended the response on social media, writing, "Thank you to our great Secret Service and Law Enforcement for the swift and professional action taken this evening." He noted that the suspect possessed a "violent history" and referenced the incident to reiterate his support for constructing a secure ballroom on the White House grounds.
Congressional leaders also praised the security response. Senate Majority Leader John Thune expressed gratitude for the agency's swift actions, while House Speaker Mike Johnson offered prayers for the injured bystander's recovery following what he termed a "senseless shooting."
The incident marks the second high-profile security breach near the presidency in recent weeks, following a shooting incident at the White House Correspondents' Dinner last month.