A man who opened fire near a White House security checkpoint was killed after a gunfight with Secret Service agents on Saturday evening, according to US officials. The incident triggered a rapid lockdown around the White House complex in Washington, D.C.
The suspect has been identified in US media reports as 21-year-old Nasire Best from Maryland. Officials say he was known to law enforcement and had previous encounters with the Secret Service due to earlier incidents near restricted areas around the White House.
The United States Secret Service confirmed that the shooting happened shortly before 6 p.m. local time near the intersection of 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW. The suspect reportedly pulled a firearm from a bag and began firing at officers stationed at a security checkpoint.
Secret Service agents immediately returned fire and struck the suspect. He was taken to hospital but later died from his injuries. Officials also confirmed that a bystander was wounded during the exchange, although details about their condition have not been released. No officers were injured.
The incident took place near key government buildings in Washington, D.C., an area that is heavily monitored due to its proximity to the White House. Security forces quickly secured the surrounding streets and placed the White House complex under temporary lockdown.
At the time of the shooting, US President Donald Trump was inside the White House. Officials said he was not harmed and that no operations inside the building were disrupted.
In a social media post, Donald Trump thanked law enforcement for their response. He praised the Secret Service for their “swift and professional action” in stopping the attack. He also referred to the suspect’s alleged background and previous encounters with authorities.
According to law enforcement sources cited by US media, the suspect had previously attempted to enter restricted White House areas and had been arrested in July 2025. Reports also suggest he had been placed in a psychiatric facility following earlier incidents involving unusual behavior near the White House perimeter.
Investigators say the suspect had been known to both the Secret Service and the Metropolitan Police Department. Authorities are now reviewing his history, including past arrests and mental health concerns, as part of the ongoing investigation.
The motive for the attack is still unclear. Officials have not confirmed whether the suspect targeted specific individuals or acted alone.
After the shooting, reporters and staff at the White House were quickly moved to secure indoor locations. Some journalists reported hearing multiple gunshots from the North Lawn area before being instructed to take cover.
Witnesses described confusion and rapid movement as Secret Service officers secured the scene. Emergency vehicles were later seen near the area as investigators began collecting evidence.
The White House lockdown lasted for a short period before restrictions were lifted. However, police maintained a strong presence in the surrounding area as the investigation continued.
The incident comes just weeks after another security scare involving gunfire near a White House-related public event. Officials say they are now reviewing security procedures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Lawmakers have also reacted to the shooting. Senior US political leaders praised the Secret Service for their quick response and expressed concern for those injured in the incident.
Security around the White House remains one of the most sensitive in the country, and officials say they will continue monitoring the situation closely as the investigation develops.
