A gunman who opened fire near a White House security checkpoint was killed in an exchange of gunfire with Secret Service agents on Saturday evening, according to US officials.
The incident happened shortly after 6:00 pm local time near the intersection of 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW in Washington DC, close to the Eisenhower Executive Office Building.
Authorities said the suspect pulled a handgun from a bag and began shooting near the White House perimeter. Secret Service officers stationed nearby quickly returned fire and struck the attacker.
The suspect was later identified by US media as 21-year-old Nasire Best. Reports said he had a documented history of mental health problems and was previously known to both the Secret Service and Washington’s Metropolitan Police Department.
Best was taken to hospital after the shooting but later died from his injuries.
Officials also confirmed that one bystander was wounded during the incident. However, no Secret Service officers were injured.
US President Donald Trump was inside the White House during the shooting but was not harmed. Authorities said none of the president’s security operations were affected.
In a statement posted on social media, Trump praised law enforcement officers for their quick response.
“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,” he wrote.
The shooting came just one month after another gunman disrupted the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, raising fresh concerns about security around the presidential complex.
Law enforcement sources told CBS News that Best had previously attempted to enter the White House grounds in July 2025. He was reportedly arrested at the time and later received treatment at a psychiatric facility.
Investigators said the suspect had been living in Washington DC for around 18 months and used a revolver during Saturday’s attack.
The incident caused panic among journalists gathered outside the White House. Several reporters were filming live broadcasts when gunshots rang out across the area.
Video shared online showed journalists running for cover as Secret Service officers shouted instructions to move indoors.
CBS reporter Aaron Navarro said he heard multiple gunshots and immediately saw reporters ducking and running toward the press briefing room.
“We were told to sprint to the press briefing room,” ABC correspondent Selina Wang posted on social media after the shooting.
Reporters inside the White House briefing room remained under lockdown for around 30 minutes while security teams secured the area.
Officials said the shooting took place in a busy part of downtown Washington, although foot traffic was lighter than usual because it was a weekend evening.
US House Speaker Mike Johnson described the situation as part of a “heightened threat environment” facing the country.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune also praised the Secret Service for their “decisive actions” during the incident.
The investigation into the shooting remains ongoing.
