A suspect was shot dead after opening fire on United States Secret Service officers near the White House in Washington, D.C., triggering a major security response and temporary lockdown around the presidential complex.
Authorities said the incident happened on Saturday evening near a security checkpoint at 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW, close to the Eisenhower Executive Office Building.
According to the U.S. Secret Service, the suspect removed a firearm from a bag and began shooting at officers stationed at the checkpoint before agents returned fire.
The suspect later died from injuries sustained during the exchange of gunfire, officials confirmed.
Suspect Identified by Media Reports
U.S. media outlets identified the suspect as 21-year-old Nasire Best, a man reportedly known to both the Secret Service and local law enforcement agencies.
Reports indicated that Best had a documented history of mental health challenges and had previous encounters with security authorities near the White House.
According to investigators, he had previously attempted to access White House grounds in 2025 and had reportedly received a “stay-away order” after earlier incidents involving security personnel.
Officials said investigations into the motive behind the shooting are still ongoing.
Bystander Injured During Gunfire Exchange
Authorities confirmed that a bystander was also injured during the incident, although investigators have not yet determined whether the person was struck by bullets fired by the suspect or by return fire from officers.
No Secret Service officers were injured during the confrontation.
Emergency medical teams quickly responded to the scene as heavily armed law enforcement officers secured the area surrounding the White House.
Several roads near the presidential complex were temporarily closed while investigators examined the scene and collected evidence.
White House Briefly Locked Down
The shooting triggered a brief lockdown at the White House as journalists, staff members, and visitors were instructed to shelter indoors.
Witnesses described hearing multiple gunshots shortly after 6 p.m., with some reporters saying they initially believed the sounds came from different weapons.
Footage shared online showed Secret Service agents rushing toward the scene while emergency vehicles arrived outside the White House perimeter.
President Donald Trump was reportedly inside the White House during the incident but was not harmed.
White House officials later confirmed that the president had been briefed about the shooting.
Security Concerns Growing
The incident marks another major security scare near the White House in recent weeks.
Authorities noted that it follows several recent gun-related security incidents involving areas close to the president and major government buildings in Washington.
Security experts say repeated incidents near high-profile federal sites are increasing pressure on law enforcement agencies to strengthen protective measures around government institutions.
The FBI and other federal agencies are assisting in the ongoing investigation.
Witnesses Describe Panic
Journalists and eyewitnesses near the White House described scenes of confusion and panic as gunfire erupted.
Some reporters said Secret Service agents immediately ordered everyone nearby to take cover and move indoors for safety.
Others described hearing rapid bursts of gunfire before emergency sirens filled the area.
Social media videos showed law enforcement officers heavily guarding roads leading toward the White House while helicopters monitored the area overhead.
Investigation Continues
Federal investigators are now examining the suspect’s background, weapon, mental health history, and possible motives behind the attack.
Authorities have not announced whether the White House itself was the intended target.
Officials say road closures and heightened security measures around the White House may continue as investigations proceed.
The shooting has once again raised national concerns about political violence and security threats surrounding major government institutions in the United States.
