US3 min(s) read
Published 08:47 24 May 2026 GMT
The suspected gunman who opened fire at a White House security checkpoint has died after being shot by Secret Service officers, according to officials.
The incident unfolded shortly after 6PM local time on Saturday when the suspect allegedly approached the checkpoint, pulled a weapon from his bag and began firing at officers outside the White House while President Donald Trump was inside the building.
Anthony Guglielmi, chief of communications for the US Secret Service, said per Sky News: "Secret Service Police returned fire striking the suspect who was transported to an area hospital where he was pronounced deceased."
He also confirmed that "during the shooting, one bystander was also struck by gunfire."
NBC News reported that White House reporters gathered on the north lawn heard between 20 and 30 gunshots at approximately 6:04PM local time.
ABC News senior White House correspondent Selina Wang shared footage on X showing her taking cover as what appeared to be gunshots rang out nearby.
Reporters and staff were then rushed inside the White House press briefing room by Secret Service agents while the complex was placed on lockdown. Restrictions were lifted around 40 minutes later.
Officials later confirmed that officers involved in the shooting were not injured, while investigators are still trying to determine whether the wounded bystander was hit by the suspect's gunfire or during the exchange with police.
Six senior law enforcement officials briefed on the case identified the suspect as Nasire Best to NBC News.
According to the report, Best had a documented history with local law enforcement and senior officials said he also had a history of mental health concerns.
Crime scene tape was later placed across the pavement near the White House, while dozens of orange evidence markers could be seen scattered across the ground.
Medical supplies, including purple surgical gloves and emergency response kits, were also visible at the scene as investigators continued their work.
President Trump later thanked the officers involved for their "swift and professional action" in a post on Truth Social.
The president also described the gunman as someone who "had a violent history and possible obsession with our Country's most cherished structure".
Trump had originally been expected to spend the weekend at his New Jersey golf club before changing plans on Friday and remaining at the White House.
The shooting has once again raised concerns over presidential security after three previous attempts on Trump's life in the past two years, including incidents in Butler, Pennsylvania, at his golf course in Florida, and at the Washington Hilton.
Sky News US correspondent David Blevins said: "Law enforcement is on high alert in the city, but the fact that the White House has gone back into lockdown over another shooting incident will raise fresh questions about the president's security."
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