A shooting incident near the White House on Saturday evening left a suspected gunman dead and a bystander injured after officers from the United States Secret Service returned fire during an active threat situation.
The incident occurred close to 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington while US President Donald Trump was present inside the White House complex.
Suspect Opened Fire Near Security Checkpoint
According to preliminary information released by the Secret Service, the suspect pulled a weapon from a bag shortly after 6 p.m. local time and began firing near a White House security checkpoint.
Secret Service officers immediately responded by returning fire, critically injuring the suspect. The individual was taken to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Law enforcement officials identified the suspect as 21-year-old Nasire Best.
Bystander Also Injured During Incident
Authorities confirmed that a bystander was also struck during the exchange of gunfire. However, investigators are still determining whether the person was hit by bullets fired by the suspect or by return fire from officers.
The condition of the injured bystander has not yet been publicly disclosed.
The Secret Service stated that none of its personnel were injured during the incident and confirmed that President Trump was not harmed or directly impacted.
Panic Among White House Reporters
Journalists working at the White House reported hearing multiple gunshots during the incident. Reporters and media staff were instructed to immediately seek shelter inside the press briefing room as security officials secured the area.
ABC News correspondent Selina Wang shared a video on social media showing the moment gunfire erupted while she was recording a segment outside the White House.
The footage captured sounds of repeated gunshots, after which reporters quickly ducked for cover and rushed toward secure areas within the White House press zone.
FBI And Police Launch Investigation
Federal Bureau of Investigation Director Kash Patel confirmed that federal authorities were responding to the shooting and investigating the circumstances surrounding the attack.
Police and Secret Service officers cordoned off the area with crime scene tape as investigators gathered evidence from the scene. Multiple evidence markers, medical supplies and emergency response materials were visible around the security perimeter outside the White House complex.
Third Shooting Incident Near Trump In Recent Weeks
Saturday’s incident marks the third major gunfire-related security scare involving areas near President Trump in the past month.
In April 2026, authorities said an armed suspect attempted to target Trump during the annual White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner in Washington. The suspect in that case was later arrested and charged.
Another shooting occurred near the Washington Monument earlier in May, where Secret Service officers shot an armed suspect after an exchange of gunfire. A teenage bystander was injured during that incident.
The latest shooting has renewed concerns about security threats in areas surrounding the White House and major public events involving the US president.
Security Heightened Around White House
Following the shooting, security presence around the White House was significantly increased as investigators continued examining the scene.
Authorities urged the public to avoid the area while federal agencies coordinate the ongoing investigation into the motives behind the attack and the sequence of events leading to the exchange of gunfire.