A 21-year-old man identified as Nasire Best was killed Saturday evening in an exchange of gunfire with Secret Service agents after opening fire near the White House. The incident occurred around 6 p.m. local time at 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW, a busy area adjacent to the Executive Office Building. Best, who had a documented history of mental health conditions and prior encounters with law enforcement, was known to the Secret Service.
The suspect reportedly pulled a gun from his bag and began firing outside the White House. Secret Service officers immediately returned fire, striking Best. He was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. A bystander was also wounded in the shooting, but their condition has not been detailed. No Secret Service officers were injured during the confrontation.
Incident Details and Suspect Background
Law enforcement sources, including CBS News, identified the suspect as Nasire Best. He was known to both the Secret Service and the Metropolitan Police Department and used a revolver in the attack. A source familiar with the investigation revealed that Best had previously attempted to gain entry to the White House in July 2025. Following that incident, he was arrested by the Secret Service and subsequently spent time in a psychiatric facility. He had been living in Washington D.C. for approximately eighteen months prior to the shooting.
The shooting took place in a public area that includes a cafe and restaurants. While busy, the area was less crowded than it might have been due to the time of day and it being a weekend evening.
Reactions and Immediate Aftermath
Following the sound of gunshots, reporters present at the White House were instructed to immediately seek shelter in a briefing room. Some journalists were actively filming when the incident unfolded, capturing audio of the distant volleys of shots. ABC News Senior White House Correspondent Selina Wang shared footage on X (formerly Twitter) showing her taking cover as shots were heard across the North Lawn.
CBS News reporter Aaron Navarro, who was on the North Lawn, described hearing the gunshots and seeing other reporters running. He noted the sounds at times suggested multiple firearms. He and other reporters were locked down in the press briefing room for about 30 minutes. From inside, they observed Secret Service activity and later saw ambulances arrive.
Former President Donald Trump, in a post on Truth Social, thanked the Secret Service for their “swift and professional action.” He stated that the gunman had a “violent history and possible obsession with our Country’s most cherished structure.” Trump highlighted the incident occurring just one month after a shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, emphasizing the need for enhanced security measures.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune and House Speaker Mike Johnson also commended the Secret Service. Thune expressed gratitude for the agents’ “decisive action” in protecting the president, while Johnson offered prayers for the victims and praised the “quick, decisive action” of the agents.
Security Implications and Ongoing Investigation
The incident remains under active investigation by multiple agencies. Road closures around the White House were expected to remain in place overnight as authorities secured the scene and gathered evidence. The proximity of the shooting to the White House and the involvement of a known individual with a history of mental health issues and prior attempts to access the grounds raises significant questions about security protocols and monitoring.
This event, occurring so soon after the White House Correspondents’ Dinner shooting, underscores ongoing security challenges in the capital. The fact that the suspect was known to the Secret Service and had previously undergone psychiatric evaluation adds a complex layer to the security assessment.
What to Watch Next
Investigators will focus on understanding the suspect’s motives, the specific circumstances of his prior encounters with law enforcement and mental health services, and how he obtained the firearm. The incident is likely to prompt a review of existing security measures around the White House perimeter and protocols for managing individuals with identified risks. The wounded bystander’s recovery and any potential insights they can offer will also be critical. The Secret Service will undoubtedly face scrutiny regarding their knowledge of the suspect and the effectiveness of their preventative measures. Public and congressional reaction may lead to further calls for increased security funding and policy adjustments to address threats against high-profile government sites.
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