A gunman was killed by Secret Service agents after opening fire near a White House security checkpoint on Saturday evening, causing alarm around the presidential complex and forcing reporters on the grounds to take cover.
The shooting happened shortly after 18:00 local time near 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW in Washington DC, close to the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. Officials said the man removed a firearm from a bag and “began firing” near officers posted at the White House perimeter.
Secret Service personnel returned fire, striking the suspect. He was taken to hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. A bystander was also wounded in the incident, though authorities did not immediately provide details about their condition. No officers were injured.
U.S. media identified the suspect as Nasire Best, 21, who law enforcement sources said was known to both the Secret Service and Washington DC police. CBS reported that Best had a documented history of mental health conditions and used a revolver during the shooting.
A source familiar with the investigation said Best had previously tried to enter the White House in July 2025. He was arrested nearby after that incident and later spent time in a psychiatric facility. He had reportedly been living in Washington DC for around 18 months.
President Donald Trump was inside the White House at the time, but officials said he was unharmed and that no protected individuals or White House operations were affected.
“Thank you to our great Secret Service and Law Enforcement for the swift and professional action taken this evening against a gunman near the White House,” Trump wrote on social media.
The president also said the shooting showed the need “for all future Presidents, to get, what will be, the most safe and secure space of its kind ever built in Washington,” referring to his proposed White House ballroom.
Gunfire prompted journalists outside the White House to move quickly indoors. ABC correspondent Selina Wang said on X, “We were told to sprint to the press briefing room where we are holding now.”
CBS reporter Aaron Navarro told the BBC he heard shots, “at points sounding like they were coming from different guns, just outside the grounds.”
“As soon as we heard it, we ducked down and I started to see other reporters starting to run, and you shortly heard Secret Service officers saying ‘get inside, get inside’,” he said.
U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson later said, “We live in a heightened threat environment, it’s a very serious issue.”