A gunman was shot dead by US Secret Service agents on Saturday evening after opening fire near a security checkpoint outside the White House, triggering panic among journalists and a temporary lockdown of the presidential complex while President Donald Trump was inside.
According to the Secret Service and multiple US media reports, the suspect—identified as 21-year-old Nasire Best from Maryland—approached a checkpoint near 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue shortly after 6pm local time and opened fire on officers guarding the area. Armed with a revolver, Best reportedly fired several shots toward a guard booth before agents returned fire.
Best was transported to hospital in critical condition but later died from his injuries. Authorities also confirmed that at least one civilian was seriously wounded during the exchange of gunfire and remains hospitalized. It is still unclear whether the bystander was struck by shots fired by the attacker or by return fire from Secret Service agents.
The shooting caused scenes of chaos around the White House complex, particularly among members of the press corps stationed on the North Lawn. Videos circulating on social media showed reporters running for cover after hearing what witnesses described as ‘dozens of shots’.
ABC News correspondent Selina Wang, who was filming near the White House at the time, later said she initially thought the sounds were fireworks before realizing gunfire had erupted nearby. In footage later shared online, security personnel can be heard shouting ‘everybody down’ while evacuating journalists toward the press briefing room.
Investigators have since revealed that Best was already known to law enforcement and the Secret Service prior to the attack. According to court records cited by several US outlets, he had previously approached restricted White House areas and was reportedly subject to a stay-away order. Media reports also indicate that he had a documented history of mental health problems and had allegedly made delusional claims, including identifying himself as Jesus Christ or Osama bin Laden.
Some reports suggest that Best had previously been hospitalized following erratic behaviour and confrontations with authorities in Washington. Officials are now examining whether the shooting was politically motivated or primarily linked to mental illness.
President Trump was inside the White House during the shooting but was not harmed. Following the incident, he praised the Secret Service for its rapid response in a post on Truth Social, arguing that the attack once again demonstrated the need for the ‘most secure presidential complex in American history’.
The FBI, Secret Service, and Washington Metropolitan Police have launched a joint investigation into the attack. Authorities have not yet publicly announced a definitive motive.
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