Suspect killed after opening fire on Secret Service near White House
Suspect Killed in Shooting Near White House
Suspect killed after opening fire on Secret – On Saturday evening, the man linked to a shooting incident near the White House was fatally shot during an exchange of fire with Secret Service agents, according to officials. The US Secret Service confirmed that the suspect, identified as Nasire Best, a 21-year-old with a documented history of mental health challenges, was killed after pulling a firearm from his bag and initiating the attack. The shooting took place at the intersection of 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW, close to the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, and involved between 10 and 20 shots fired.
The Secret Service reported that one civilian was also wounded during the incident, though details about the injured person’s condition remain undisclosed. Despite the gunfire, no agents were harmed, and the situation was swiftly contained. The White House has maintained road closures around the area, which are expected to remain overnight as the investigation continues.
Suspect’s Background and Previous Encounter
Nasire Best, the 21-year-old suspect, had a documented history of mental health conditions, as revealed by law enforcement sources. He was known to both the Secret Service and the Metropolitan Police Department. According to a source briefed on the case, Best had attempted to enter the White House in July 2025 and was apprehended nearby by Secret Service agents. Following his arrest, he was admitted to a psychiatric facility for observation.
Best has resided in Washington DC for the past eighteen months, as per the same source. His familiarity with security personnel suggests a possible intent to target the White House. The Secret Service confirmed that he used a revolver during the attack, indicating a level of preparedness and determination in his actions.
Incident Details and Timeline
The shooting occurred shortly before 18:00 local time on Saturday, with the suspect initiating the exchange of fire. Secret Service officers responded promptly, discharging rounds that led to the suspect’s demise. He was transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. CBS News later identified the deceased as Nasire Best, marking the first public disclosure of his name.
President Donald Trump was present at the White House during the incident, though he has not yet commented on the events of Saturday night. A White House official confirmed that the president had been briefed on the shooting, underscoring the gravity of the situation. The proximity of the event to the presidential residence has raised questions about the effectiveness of security measures in high-profile areas.
Reporter Accounts and Immediate Response
“We were told to sprint to the press briefing room where we are holding now,” Selina Wang, a senior White House correspondent for ABC, wrote on X after the incident.
Aaron Navarro, a CBS News reporter, recounted his experience during the shooting. “I was on the North Lawn when I could hear the gunshots, at points sounding like they were coming from different guns, just outside the grounds,” he told BBC. The reporter described a chaotic scene as he and other journalists took cover and sprinted to the press briefing room.
Navarro noted that the gunfire was audible from a distance, with some reporters still filming when the shots began. Secret Service officers were seen on the scene, directing everyone inside. “As soon as we heard it we ducked down and I started to see other reporters starting to run, and you shortly heard Secret Service officers saying get inside, get inside,” he added. The reporters were locked down in the briefing room for approximately 30 minutes before the threat was neutralized.
Security Implications and Context
The shooting follows a similar incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner just a month prior, where a gunman opened fire. That event had already heightened security concerns, and the recent incident has reinforced the need for vigilance. Navarro emphasized the tension surrounding Trump’s security, stating, “It certainly is a tense moment generally when it comes to security and President Trump.”
The location of the attack—near a bustling area with cafes and restaurants—added to the complexity of the situation. While the area was not as crowded as it could have been due to the late hour and weekend timing, the presence of civilians in the vicinity raised the stakes. The Secret Service’s swift response prevented any casualties among the public, though the wounded bystander’s condition is still under review.
CBS News associate producer Emma Nicholson shared her perspective via a social media post, describing the moment the news crew first heard the gunfire. “A news crew was preparing to record when they heard what sounded like multiple gunshots and ducked to the ground,” she wrote. The team was then escorted into the White House, where they were kept safe for several minutes before the situation was fully controlled.
The BBC has reached out to the White House for additional comments, aiming to clarify any lingering questions about the incident. As the investigation unfolds, authorities will likely provide more insights into Best’s motives and the circumstances leading to the shooting. The combination of his mental health history and prior encounter with security personnel has sparked discussions about the factors that may have contributed to his actions.