Secret Service Kills Gunman Following Exchange of Fire Near White House
Suspect Nasire Best was shot by agents after opening fire at a security checkpoint; one bystander was also wounded in the incident.
Primary source: BBC World News. Full source links and update notes are below.
Fast summary
Start here
- A 21-year-old suspect identified as Nasire Best was killed by Secret Service agents after opening fire near a White House security checkpoint.
- President Donald Trump was inside the executive residence at the time but remained unharmed during the exchange.
- The suspect had a documented history of mental health issues and a prior arrest for attempting to enter the White House grounds in July 2025.
What happened
On Saturday evening around 18:00 local time, a gunman opened fire near a White House security checkpoint at the intersection of 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW. Secret Service agents stationed near the Eisenhower Executive Office Building immediately returned fire, striking the gunman. The suspect was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. No law enforcement officers were injured during the confrontation.
What's new in this update
Law enforcement sources have identified the suspect as Nasire Best, a 21-year-old man who was previously known to both the Secret Service and the Metropolitan Police Department. Investigators confirmed Best was armed with a revolver during the attack. While President Trump was present in the White House, officials stated that no protectees or security operations were compromised during the short-lived exchange.
Key details
The shootout caused immediate disruption on the White House grounds, with reporters on the North Lawn ducking for cover and sprinting to the press briefing room as shots rang out. One bystander was wounded during the incident, though the Secret Service has not provided specific details regarding their condition. Evidence of the violence, including bullet holes and broken glass, was later observed at the nearby White House History Shop.
Background and context
This is the second shooting incident involving the White House in the span of a month, following an earlier attack at the White House Correspondents' Dinner. Records show that Nasire Best had been living in Washington DC for 18 months and had a history of mental health conditions. He was previously arrested in July 2025 for attempting to breach White House security, after which he spent time in a psychiatric facility.
What to watch next
House Speaker Mike Johnson and other congressional leaders have noted that the U.S. is currently operating in a 'heightened threat environment.' Future investigations will likely scrutinize how a suspect with a documented history of psychiatric issues and a prior arrest at the White House was able to obtain a firearm and return to the same vicinity to carry out an attack.
Why this matters
This incident marks the second high-profile shooting involving White House security in a month, highlighting a heightened threat environment for federal law enforcement.
Reader context
This story belongs to Northstar Herald's world coverage, with related entities including White House, Secret Service, Donald Trump, Nasire Best. The report is based on BBC World News source material.
Related coverage
Why it matters
This incident marks the second high-profile shooting involving White House security in a month, highlighting a heightened threat environment for federal law enforcement.
Read next
Follow this story through the topic hub, more world coverage, and the latest updates.
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