The U.S. Secret Service fatally shot Nasire Best after he allegedly opened fire on officers at a White House security checkpoint Saturday evening, an incident that briefly placed the White House under lockdown and injured a bystander, authorities said.
According to the U.S. Secret Service, the shooting occurred shortly after 6 p.m. near the checkpoint at 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW. Officials said a male subject approached the security screening area, pulled a firearm from a bag, and began firing at officers stationed there.
Secret Service personnel returned fire, striking the suspect. He was transported to a nearby hospital, where he later died from his injuries. Authorities confirmed that the investigation into the incident remains ongoing.
Officials also reported that a bystander was struck during the exchange of gunfire. It is not yet known who fired the round that injured the individual, and their condition has not been publicly released.
Law enforcement sources said Best had a documented history with local authorities and was known to have prior mental health concerns, though officials have not released further details about his background.
At the time of the shooting, President Donald Trump was inside the White House and was not injured. The Secret Service confirmed that he was briefed on the situation shortly after the incident began. No injuries were reported among Secret Service personnel.
Witnesses and journalists in the area reported hearing multiple gunshots, with one news team stating they heard between 20 and 30 rounds fired around 6:04 p.m. Reporters on the North Lawn were instructed to take shelter inside the White House press briefing room as agents secured the area.
The White House complex was placed on lockdown, which was lifted approximately 40 minutes later at 6:46 p.m. during the ongoing response. Multiple federal and local agencies, including the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, were called in to assist with the investigation.
