WASHINGTON (HRNW) – Law enforcement and security agencies in the U.S. capital were placed on high alert following a shooting incident near a key security checkpoint outside the White House. Prompt retaliatory fire from the United States Secret Service critically injured the armed assailant, who was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
The confrontation unfolded near the intersection of 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW, close to the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. According to official briefings, a 21-year-old male, identified by authorities as Nasire Best, approached a Secret Service checkpoint, drew a revolver from his bag, and opened fire on officers. Uniformed Division officers immediately engaged the shooter, neutralizing him on the spot.
Key updates surrounding the incident include:
Shooter’s Demise, Bystander Injury, and White House Lockdown
-
Death of the Suspect: The suspect was rushed to George Washington University Hospital in critical condition, where he later succumbed to his wounds. Investigators noted that Best, a resident of Maryland, had a documented history of severe mental health conditions. He had previous run-ins with federal law enforcement, including an arrest in July 2025 for breaching White House restricted boundaries, after which he was placed under an involuntary psychiatric hold and issued a judicial stay-away order.
-
Bystander Wounded: A civilian bystander caught in the crossfire sustained injuries during the exchange and is receiving medical care. No Secret Service personnel or law enforcement officers were harmed in the incident.
-
Temporary Lockdown: Following the gunshots, the White House complex was immediately placed under a precautionary lockdown. Journalists and media personnel working on the North Lawn were ushered inside the press briefing room for shelter. The lockdown was safely lifted about an hour later.
-
President Unharmed: A Secret Service spokesperson confirmed that U.S. President Donald Trump was inside the White House (specifically the Oval Office) at the time of the shooting but was completely unaffected and unharmed. President Trump later commended the Secret Service on Truth Social for their swift, brave, and professional action.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) along with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) are actively spearheading the investigation to uncover the precise motives behind the attack. This marks the third high-profile security and gunfire incident reported near the President within the span of a month.
Stand Up for Human Rights – Support Our Cause!
Help HRNW, the world’s No. 1 human rights portal. Click on the link below to support our mission in raising a voice for the oppressed and promoting human rights globally:
