Gunman Killed by Secret Service After Firing Near White House

CBS News reported Saturday that a White House shooting ended with a gunman dead after he opened fire on a Secret Service checkpoint near the complex’s perimeter.

The incident unfolded around 6 p.m. ET at the corner of 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW. That location sits adjacent to the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, steps from the main White House grounds.

Gunman Opens Fire on Security Post

The suspect, identified as 21-year-old Nasire Best, produced a revolver at a Secret Service Uniformed Division booth and fired multiple rounds toward officers. Law enforcement sources told CBS News that between 15 and 30 shots were exchanged in total. Agents returned fire immediately, striking Best. He was transported to George Washington University Hospital, where he died from his wounds. A bystander was also injured during the exchange, though their condition was not detailed further.

Several CBS News journalists present on the White House North Lawn heard the gunfire directly. Secret Service moved reporters inside the building shortly after shots rang out. A lockdown of the White House complex was put in place and lifted just before 7 p.m.

Also Read: What Is the Secret Service Uniformed Division?

Prior Contact With Authorities

Best had a documented history with federal security officials before Saturday’s attack. According to a source familiar with the investigation, he had been living in Washington for roughly 18 months. In July 2025, Best attempted to enter the White House grounds without authorization and was arrested by Secret Service near the perimeter. Following that incident, he was sent to a psychiatric facility for a mental health evaluation.

The prior arrest raises questions about monitoring and follow-through for individuals flagged at sensitive federal sites.

Also Read: Secret Service Staffing and Security Challenges at the White House

Trump Responds From Inside the White House

President Donald Trump was at the White House when the shooting occurred. A Secret Service spokesperson confirmed he was not affected by the incident. In a post to Truth Social early Sunday, Trump praised his protective detail for their rapid response. He alleged Best had a violent past and described the attack as evidence of a need for a new, more secure presidential residence. Trump also noted the shooting came roughly one month after a separate shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, calling the back-to-back events a serious security concern for future administrations.

The Secret Service has not publicly commented beyond confirming the basic facts of the incident.

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