Officials confirmed that the suspect was killed following an exchange of gunfire with officers stationed near the complex. A bystander was also injured during the shooting, though authorities have not released further details on their condition. No Secret Service personnel were harmed.
The suspect has been identified by US media as 21-year-old Nasire Best, a Maryland resident who was known to law enforcement and the Secret Service. According to reports, he had a documented history of mental health conditions and previous encounters with authorities, including incidents involving threats and attempts to access restricted areas.
The shooting occurred shortly before 18:00 local time near the intersection of 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW, close to the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. Police said the man pulled a firearm from his bag and began firing at a White House checkpoint, prompting agents to return fire.
Best was struck during the exchange and transported to hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
The White House confirmed that President Donald Trump was inside the building at the time of the incident. Officials said “no protectees or operations were impacted.”
In a statement on social media, Trump praised the Secret Service response, calling it “swift and professional action” and referring to the suspect as having a “violent history and possible obsession” with the White House.
The incident led to immediate security restrictions and road closures around the White House, which are expected to remain in place while the investigation continues.
It comes just weeks after another shooting disrupted a White House-related event, raising renewed concerns over security in the area.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of confusion as shots rang out. Reporters on the White House grounds were quickly moved into secure areas, with some recalling being instructed to run to the press briefing room as gunfire echoed nearby. Several journalists reported hearing multiple bursts of shots and seeing law enforcement rushing across the complex.
One reporter said those present were placed under lockdown for around 30 minutes before being allowed to assess the situation. Emergency vehicles were later seen near the perimeter.
Law enforcement sources told the media that the suspect had previously been known to both the Secret Service and the Metropolitan Police Department. One source said he had attempted to enter White House grounds earlier in 2025 and was subsequently arrested nearby, later spending time in a psychiatric facility.
The FBI is assisting the Secret Service with the ongoing investigation into the shooting, which remains active. Officials have not yet confirmed a motive.
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