Washington, D.C. | May 23, 2026 | Approximately 6:00 PM EDT
A major security incident unfolded Saturday evening near the White House after an armed man opened fire at a United States Secret Service security checkpoint near the intersection of 17th Street NW and Pennsylvania Avenue. Secret Service officers immediately returned fire, killing the suspect at the scene after an intense exchange of gunfire.
Authorities identified the suspect as 21-year-old Nasire Best of Maryland. According to investigators, Best approached the checkpoint shortly after 6:00 PM carrying a bag. Officials say he suddenly pulled a handgun from the bag and began firing toward Secret Service personnel stationed outside the White House complex.
A male bystander was struck during the shooting and transported to a nearby hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Officials are still investigating whether the bystander was hit by bullets fired by the suspect or by return fire from officers. No Secret Service agents were injured.
At the time of the shooting, President Donald Trump was reportedly inside the White House but was not harmed. Following the incident, the White House complex was briefly placed under lockdown while heavily armed law enforcement officers secured the area and searched for additional threats.
Journalists covering the White House described scenes of panic as multiple gunshots rang out across the North Lawn area. ABC and NBC correspondents reported hearing what sounded like “dozens of gunshots” before taking cover inside the press briefing room and nearby media tents.
Federal investigators later revealed that the suspect had previous encounters with law enforcement and the Secret Service. Court records show Best had previously attempted to approach White House grounds in 2025 and had been ordered to stay away from the area after displaying erratic behavior and claiming religious delusions.
The FBI, Secret Service, and Metropolitan Police Department continue to investigate the motive behind the attack. Officials have not announced whether terrorism or political motivations were involved.
This marks the latest in a series of recent security incidents involving areas surrounding the White House and President Trump, raising renewed concerns over political violence and presidential security in Washington.
