A gunman was shot dead by U.S. Secret Service officers after opening fire near a White House security checkpoint in Washington, D.C
A gunman who opened fire near a security checkpoint close to the White House on Saturday evening has died after being shot by officers of the United States Secret Service.
Also read: White House confirms attack on US Convoy in Anambra, says no citizen involved (Video)
The incident happened near 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW in Washington, D.C., prompting a heavy security lockdown around the White House complex.
According to the Secret Service, the suspect approached the checkpoint shortly after 6 p.m., pulled a firearm from a bag and began shooting at officers stationed in the area.
Security personnel immediately returned fire, critically wounding the suspect, who was later pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.
Authorities said a bystander was also struck during the exchange of gunfire, although officials had not immediately confirmed whether the individual was hit by bullets fired by the suspect or during the officers’ response.
No Secret Service officer was injured in the attack.
The agency confirmed that Donald Trump was inside the White House when the shooting occurred but was not harmed.
The gunfire triggered a rapid security response as officers from the Secret Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and local police flooded the area.
Roads surrounding the White House were temporarily shut down while investigators secured the scene and launched a probe into the incident.
Journalists stationed at the White House said they heard multiple gunshots and were instructed to take shelter inside the press briefing room.
ABC News correspondent Selina Wang said reporters on the North Lawn were ordered to run for safety moments after the shooting began.
FBI Director Kash Patel later confirmed that the bureau was assisting the Secret Service with the investigation.
The suspect was identified by officials as 21-year-old Nasire Best, according to the Associated Press.
Court records cited by AP reportedly showed that Best had previously been arrested in 2025 after allegedly attempting to enter a White House checkpoint without authorisation.
Saturday’s shooting is the latest security scare involving gunfire near the U.S. president in recent weeks.
Also read: ‘It is who I am’ US first lady, Jill Biden returns to full-time work away from White House, first since 2009
It followed an earlier shooting incident in April near the hotel hosting the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner, where Trump and other senior officials were briefly moved to safety.
Victory Emmanuel is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
