Secret Service says officers fatally shot a person who fired at them near White House

Secret Service Officers Fatally Shoot Suspect Near White House

Secret Service says officers fatally shot – Less than a month after a tense moment at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, where gunfire echoed through the complex and reporters scrambled for cover, another incident unfolded near the presidential residence. On Saturday, Secret Service agents responded to a sudden threat by shooting and killing a suspect who had fired at them at a security checkpoint. The attack, which occurred just outside the White House, led to a rapid lockdown and prompted an urgent reassessment of security protocols.

A Critical Exchange Near the White House

According to a Secret Service spokesperson, the incident began shortly before 6 p.m. ET when an individual approached a checkpoint outside the White House complex. The suspect, later identified as Nasire Best, 21, opened fire on the agents, triggering an immediate defensive response. Officers fired back, and the suspect was struck, eventually succumbing to his injuries at a local hospital. “The suspect’s actions prompted a swift and decisive reaction from the Secret Service,” the spokesperson stated, emphasizing the agency’s commitment to protecting the President.

Amid the gunfire, a bystander was also injured. The Secret Service spokesperson noted that it remains uncertain whether the passerby was hit by the suspect’s initial shots or during the subsequent exchange. “The exact sequence of events is still under review, but the priority was to neutralize the immediate threat,” the official said. Fortunately, no Secret Service personnel were harmed, and President Donald Trump was in the White House residence at the time, unaffected by the incident.

The Suspect’s History of Encounters

Best, whose name was confirmed by three sources, had previously interacted with Secret Service agents. In June 2025, he was detained for blocking an entry lane at the White House. During that incident, he claimed to be “God” and was temporarily placed at the Psychiatric Institute of Washington for evaluation. A month later, in July 2025, Best was arrested again after attempting to enter the White House complex driveway. A judge ordered him to remain away from the presidential grounds, a measure that was likely intended to prevent further disruptions.

Investigators uncovered additional context during their review of Best’s activities last year. Social media posts revealed his belief that he was the “real” Osama bin Laden, and at least one of his messages hinted at a desire to harm Trump. Despite these claims, law enforcement officials noted that Best had not exhibited violent behavior or used a weapon prior to Saturday’s incident. “He was seen as a potential threat, but his actions were not immediately alarming,” one source explained.

Impact on the Press Corps

The gunfire interrupted a routine press event, sending shockwaves through the White House media area. CNN reporters were among the first to capture the scene, describing the sounds of multiple shots fired shortly after 6 p.m. ET. The event sparked a 40-minute lockdown for journalists, forcing them to take cover within the briefing room. “The atmosphere shifted instantly,” said a CNN correspondent present at the time. “Everyone froze, unsure if we were safe.”

The lockdown was activated just minutes after a press lid had been called at 5:06 p.m. ET—a signal that typically indicates the President’s presence. However, the gunfire disrupted this expectation, leaving reporters surprised and scrambling to secure their positions. By the time the situation stabilized, several journalists had already left the complex. Those remaining on the North Lawn were quickly ushered into the White House briefing room, where they were instructed to shelter in place as agents shouted warnings.

“It felt like the end of the day for us,” another reporter recalled. “We were told to stay inside, and the air was thick with tension.” During the lockdown, CNN counted approximately two dozen journalists inside the briefing room, including photographers, correspondents, and producers. The agents, equipped with rifles, moved through the North Lawn area, ensuring the space was secure before the lockdown was lifted at 6:45 p.m. ET.

Trump’s Response and Broader Implications

President Trump, who had canceled a planned trip to his New Jersey golf club, was briefed by the Secret Service on the incident. In a post on Truth Social the following day, he praised the agency for its prompt action. “This demonstrates the necessity of having the safest and most secure environment ever constructed in Washington, D.C.,” Trump wrote, adding that the National Security of the country demands such vigilance.

The event marked a significant moment in the ongoing efforts to safeguard the White House. The previous month’s Correspondents’ Dinner had already underscored the vulnerability of the presidential grounds, with reporters ducking as shots rang out. Saturday’s incident, however, added a new layer of urgency to security reviews. “We’re evaluating every detail to ensure no threats are overlooked,” a White House official said, highlighting the agency’s proactive approach.

While the Secret Service focused on immediate containment, the FBI was also on the scene, supporting the investigation. Director Kash Patel tweeted that the agency was actively involved in assessing the situation. Meanwhile, Selina Wang, ABC News’ chief White House correspondent, shared a video on X capturing the moment the gunfire erupted. “I was recording a social video when the shots hit,” she described. “The chaos was overwhelming, but the team reacted quickly to protect everyone.”

The incident raised questions about the balance between security and public access. Though Best had been ordered to stay away from the White House, his ability to approach the checkpoint suggested a gap in monitoring. “It’s a reminder that even with strict protocols, threats can emerge unexpectedly,” said a law enforcement official. The suspect’s history of mental health claims and his social media rhetoric also highlighted the role of online influence in real-world violence.

As the investigation continues, officials are working to piece together the full story. CNN has reached out to the White House, DC Metropolitan Police, and the DC Fire and EMS Department for additional insights. The suspect’s actions, though isolated, underscore the challenges faced by security teams in maintaining a high level of vigilance. “Every detail matters in protecting the President,” the Secret Service spokesperson reiterated, emphasizing the critical nature of the event.