Suspect killed after opening fire on Secret Service near White House

Man Killed After Firing at White House Checkpoint

A 21-year-old man identified by law enforcement sources as Nasire Best was shot and killed by Secret Service officers on Saturday evening after he drew a revolver and fired at a checkpoint near the White House, officials said. The incident occurred at the intersection of 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW, adjacent to the Eisenhower Executive Office Building.

The BBC’s U.S. media partner CBS reported that Best, who had been known to the Secret Service and the Metropolitan Police Department, had a documented history of mental health conditions. He had lived in Washington, D.C., for 18 months. According to a source familiar with the investigation, Best attempted to gain entry to the White House in July 2025, was arrested by officers nearby, and subsequently spent time at a psychiatric facility. He used a revolver in Saturday’s shooting, the sources told CBS.

President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that he thanked the officers for their “swift and professional action” in responding to the gunman, whom he described as having a “violent history and possible obsession with our Country’s most cherished structure.” The White House said Trump was inside the building at the time and that “no protectees or operations were impacted.”

The shooting began shortly before 6:00 p.m. local time when the man removed a gun from a bag and opened fire. Secret Service personnel at the checkpoint returned fire, striking him. He was transported to a hospital and pronounced dead. A bystander was also struck by gunfire; the Secret Service provided no further details on that person’s condition. No officers were injured.

The area around the White House remained under investigation, with road closures expected to continue overnight. The Metropolitan Police Department and Secret Service are continuing to examine the circumstances.

Reporters working at the White House were directed into the briefing room after the shots were heard. ABC News correspondent Selina Wang posted video showing her taking cover on the North Lawn as multiple shots were audible. CBS News reporter Aaron Navarro, who was on the North Lawn, told the BBC he heard gunfire that at times appeared to come from different weapons. He said reporters were instructed to move inside and were secured in the briefing room for approximately 30 minutes. Ambulances were later visible beyond the perimeter.

Navarro noted that the location is a commercial area with restaurants and a café, though foot traffic was lighter than on a weekday because the incident occurred on a weekend evening. It remained unclear whether Trump heard the shots from inside the residence.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune posted that he was grateful for the Secret Service response. House Speaker Mike Johnson wrote on X that his prayers were with the victims of the shooting for a speedy recovery.

The episode took place in a restricted zone where permanent security measures are in place. The Secret Service has not released additional information on Best’s prior contacts with the agency beyond the July 2025 encounter described by the investigative source. Further details are expected as the investigation proceeds.