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Shooting erupts at White House checkpoint
Secret Service agents fatally shot a gunman who opened fire near the White House on Saturday evening, officials confirmed. The incident left one bystander injured and prompted a lockdown of the area.
Suspect identified and background revealed
U.S. media identified the shooter as 21-year-old Nasire Best, who had prior interactions with the Secret Service and local police. CBS reported that Best had attempted to enter the White House in July 2025 and was subsequently detained and placed in a psychiatric facility. He had been residing in Washington, D.C., for the past 18 months.
Law enforcement sources told CBS that Best used a revolver during the attack.
Timeline of 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. Best pulled a gun from his bag and began firing, prompting Secret Service officers to return fire. He was struck and later pronounced dead at a hospital.
A bystander was also wounded, though the Secret Service did not disclose further details about their condition. No officers were harmed in the exchange.
Response and reactions
President Donald Trump, who was inside the White House at the time, praised the Secret Service for their "swift and professional action." In a post on Truth Social, he described the gunman as having a "violent history and possible obsession with our Country's most cherished structure."
"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."
President Donald Trump
Trump also referenced a recent shooting at the White House Correspondents' Dinner, emphasizing the need for enhanced security measures, including his planned White House ballroom project.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune and House Speaker Mike Johnson commended the Secret Service for their response. Thune expressed gratitude for their efforts, while Johnson offered prayers for the victims' recovery.
Eyewitness accounts
Reporters near the scene were quickly ushered into a briefing room following the gunfire. ABC's senior White House correspondent Selina Wang shared footage on X showing her taking cover as shots rang out across the North Lawn.
"We were told to sprint to the press briefing room where we are holding now."
Selina Wang, ABC News
CBS News reporter Aaron Navarro, who was on the North Lawn when the shooting began, described hearing multiple gunshots and seeing colleagues run for cover. He noted that Secret Service officers immediately directed everyone to seek shelter inside the White House.
Navarro added that the area, typically bustling with cafes and restaurants, was less crowded due to the weekend timing.
Aftermath and ongoing investigation
The Secret Service confirmed that President Trump and White House operations were not affected by the incident. Road closures around the White House are expected to remain in place overnight as authorities continue their investigation.
