The White House was briefly placed on lockdown Saturday evening after a gunman opened fire at a security checkpoint near the presidential complex, prompting an exchange of gunfire with U.S. Secret Service officers.
The incident occurred shortly after 6 p.m. at the intersection of 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW when the suspect reportedly approached a Secret Service checkpoint, pulled out a firearm from a bag and began shooting at officers.
Secret Service personnel immediately returned fire, fatally wounding the suspect, who was later confirmed dead at a nearby hospital. Authorities said the incident remains under investigation.
bystander was also hit during the shooting, although officials said it was not immediately clear whose bullet struck the victim. The person’s condition was not disclosed.
Six senior law enforcement officials identified the suspect as Nasire Best.
According to five senior law enforcement officials, Best had previous encounters with local law enforcement and a documented history of mental health concerns.
President Donald Trump, who was inside the White House at the time of the shooting, was not harmed. The Secret Service also confirmed that no agents sustained injuries during the incident.
Officials later briefed Trump on the development.
An NBC News crew stationed at the White House reported hearing between 20 and 30 gunshots around 6:04 p.m. Secret Service agents immediately directed journalists gathered outside on the North Lawn to move into the press briefing room for safety.
Armed Secret Service officers were later seen stationed outside the briefing room as security measures intensified across the White House complex.
The lockdown covering the White House grounds was lifted at about 6:46 p.m.
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed on X that FBI agents were assisting the Secret Service at the scene. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, alongside the Metropolitan Police Department, also joined the response operation.
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The shooting happened along the western side of Pennsylvania Avenue, a pedestrian section running beside the north side of the White House. Parts of the area had only recently reopened to the public after being shut for several months.
Confirming the incident in an official statement, the White House posted on X, “Shortly after 6 p.m Saturday an individual in the area of 17th street and Pennsylvania Avenue pulled a weapon from his bag and began firing.
“Secret Service Police returned fire striking the suspect who was transported to an area hospital where he was pronounced deceased. During the shooting one bystander was also struck by gunfire.
“No injuries were sustained by officers. The President was in the White House during the incident, however no protectees or
operations were impacted.
“This incident remains under investigation and additional information will be released as it becomes available.”
Credit: Nigerian Tribune