A gunman was killed by US Secret Service agents on Saturday evening after opening fire near the White House, in an incident that also left a bystander injured, authorities said.
President Donald Trump was inside the White House at the time of the attack, though officials confirmed he was not affected by the incident. Secret Service communications chief Anthony Guglielmi said the president was working from the building during ongoing diplomatic efforts involving Iran.
According to the Secret Service, the shooting occurred shortly after 6:00 pm (2200 GMT) when a man approached the White House security perimeter and opened fire after pulling a weapon from his bag.
“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,” Guglielmi said, adding that the condition of the injured bystander had not been confirmed.
No Secret Service personnel were injured during the exchange.
Following the incident, Trump praised the response of security operatives in a post on Truth Social.
“Thank you to our great Secret Service and Law Enforcement for the swift and professional action taken this evening against a gunman near the White House, who had a violent history and possible obsession with our Country’s most cherished structure,” he said.
Multiple US media outlets identified the suspect as 21-year-old Nasire Best of Maryland, reporting that he had a history of mental health challenges and prior interactions with Secret Service agents.
Security forces quickly cordoned off the area, with National Guard troops restricting movement as law enforcement flooded the scene in Washington, D.C.
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Witnesses described panic as gunfire erupted near the White House complex.
“We heard probably 20 to 25 what sounded like fireworks, but they’re gunshots, and then everyone started running,” Canadian tourist Reid Adrian told AFP.
Journalists present at the White House North Lawn said they were instructed to evacuate and take shelter in the press briefing room as the shots rang out.
ABC News correspondent Selina Wang said she was recording footage when the incident occurred.
“It sounded like dozens of gunshots,” she wrote on X.
Trump security concerns
Trump, 79, has previously been the target of multiple alleged assassination attempts, including an incident on April 25 when an armed man reportedly breached a security checkpoint at a hotel hosting a media event. He did not reach the president.
In July 2024, a gunman opened fire at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, killing one audience member and injuring Trump in the ear.
Another armed suspect was later arrested at a West Palm Beach golf course where Trump was present.
Following Saturday’s incident, House Republicans praised the Secret Service on social media.
“Thank God President Trump is safe,” they wrote, adding: “Endless gratitude to the Secret Service for their immediate, heroic response. Political violence has to stop.”
Trump has also previously cited security concerns in connection with a $400 million White House renovation project, which includes a large underground facility and reinforced security structures.