Shooting Near White House Sparks Security Lockdown
Gunman identified; White House lockdown initiated; suspect shot dead by Secret Service near the residence.
A gunman who opened fire near the White House on Saturday evening has died after being shot by United States Secret Service officers, as reported by multiple media outlets.
Officials confirmed that a bystander was also injured during the exchange of gunfire, but detailed information about their condition was not immediately provided.
The shooting led to a swift security response and a temporary lockdown at the White House complex. President Donald Trump was inside the residence at the time of the incident.
Suspect Identified
Media reports identified the suspect as 21-year-old Nasire Best. According to sources, he had previous interactions with the Secret Service, including incidents in which he reportedly claimed to be "God" and attempted to block access lanes near the White House.
Preliminary statement regarding the shooting incident on 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue. pic.twitter.com/NOdFKmwVuU
— U.S. Secret Service Office of Communications (@SecretSvcSpox) May 24, 2026
In June 2025, Best was detained for psychiatric evaluation after disrupting an entry lane near the White House. The following month, he was arrested again for allegedly trying to enter the White House driveway, leading to a court order for him to stay away from its grounds.
Investigators reportedly reviewed social media posts in which Best made questionable claims about his identity and expressed harmful intentions toward Trump. Despite these findings, authorities noted that Best had no known history of violence or carrying weapons before the incident.
Gunfire Leads to Lockdown
The shooting occurred shortly after 6pm near 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW, just one block away from the White House.
Journalists stationed at the White House reported hearing multiple gunshots before Secret Service officers instructed them to take shelter in the press briefing room for safety.
AI contributed to the creation of this article.