WASHINGTON — A gunman was shot and killed by U.S. Secret Service officers Saturday evening after authorities say he opened fire at a security checkpoint near the White House, triggering a temporary lockdown of the presidential complex and a massive law enforcement response in the nation’s capital.
The suspect was identified as 21-year-old Nasire Best, who allegedly approached a checkpoint near 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW shortly after 6 p.m. and pulled a firearm from a bag before firing toward officers.
Secret Service Uniformed Division officers immediately returned fire, striking Best. He was transported to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
President Donald Trump was inside the White House residence at the time of the shooting but was not harmed. According to reports from CNN and statements from federal authorities, the president was never in immediate danger during the incident.
The shooting sent the White House complex into an immediate lockdown lasting roughly 40 to 45 minutes. Journalists gathered on the North Lawn were ordered by Secret Service agents to run inside and shelter in the White House briefing room while heavily armed officers secured the area.
The lockdown was lifted around 6:45 p.m. ET, though a large federal and local law enforcement presence remained in place late into the evening around 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue.
Authorities said one civilian bystander was struck during the exchange of gunfire and remains in critical condition at a local hospital. Investigators have not yet determined whether the bystander was hit by rounds fired by the suspect or by responding officers. No Secret Service personnel were injured.
According to law enforcement sources, Best had a documented history of mental health struggles and prior encounters with the Secret Service.
In June and July of 2025, Best was reportedly arrested after attempting to breach White House security checkpoints. Those incidents resulted in a psychiatric commitment and a court-ordered directive requiring him to stay away from the White House complex.
Officials also indicated that Best had previously posted online messages expressing hostility toward President Trump and a desire to harm him.
Saturday night’s shooting marks the latest in a string of major security incidents involving gunfire near the White House and President Trump in recent weeks.
On April 25, a gunman allegedly opened fire outside the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner at the Washington Hilton in what authorities described as an attempted assassination targeting Trump. The suspect in that case, Cole Tomas Allen, has pleaded not guilty.
Then on May 4, Secret Service agents shot another armed suspect, identified as Michael Marx, after authorities say he drew a firearm and fired near the Washington Monument. A teenage bystander was wounded during that incident.
Federal investigators are also continuing to examine a separate November 2025 ambush involving members of the West Virginia National Guard near the capital, which resulted in the death of U.S. Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom.
The FBI and Secret Service are continuing to investigate Saturday’s shooting and Best’s motives. Road closures and security perimeters remained active across parts of downtown Washington late Saturday night
