24-05-2026

White House Shooting Spurs Security Alarm

Date: 24-05-2026
Sources: bbc.com: 1 | cnbc.com: 1 | edition.cnn.com: 3 | france24.com: 1 | nypost.com: 2 | nytimes.com: 1 | scmp.com: 1 | straitstimes.com: 1
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Image Source:

Source: nypost.com

Image content: The image shows two armed security officers walking on a paved path beside a white, columned building with a lawn and trees. One officer appears to have “Secret Service” on his vest, and a construction crane is visible in the background above the building.

Summary

A gunman identified by multiple reports as 21-year-old Nasire Best was fatally shot by U.S. Secret Service agents after opening fire near a White House security checkpoint on Saturday evening, triggering a brief lockdown, a major law-enforcement response, and panic among reporters on the grounds. Authorities said the suspect drew a weapon from a bag and exchanged gunfire with agents near 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW, close to the White House perimeter; he later died at a hospital. A bystander was wounded, though the severity and source of the injury were not immediately clear, and no Secret Service officers were hurt. The incident unfolded while President Donald Trump was inside the White House and was not affected. Reporting across outlets emphasized Best’s prior mental health issues, earlier encounters with the Secret Service and local police, and court orders restricting him from White House grounds, as well as social-media posts described as erratic or threatening. Trump praised the Secret Service’s rapid response and used the episode to underscore his view that White House security should be strengthened, while the broader coverage framed the shooting as part of a growing pattern of political violence and security scares around the president and prominent federal sites in Washington.

Key Points

  • Secret Service agents fatally shot 21-year-old Nasire Best after he opened fire near the White House perimeter.
  • A bystander was wounded, but no Secret Service officers were injured and President Trump was unharmed inside the White House.
  • Reporters on the grounds were rushed into lockdown as the shooting triggered a swift security response and road closures.
  • Multiple reports said Best had prior mental health issues, previous run-ins with law enforcement, and earlier Secret Service encounters involving White House access attempts.
  • Commentary linked the incident to broader concerns about political violence and renewed debate over White House security measures.

Articles in this Cluster

Suspect killed after opening fire on Secret Service near White House

A suspect was killed after opening fire on Secret Service officers near the White House on Saturday evening, prompting a rapid law-enforcement response and temporary lockdown conditions for reporters nearby. According to officials, the shooting happened at the intersection of 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW, close to the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, shortly before 18:00 local time. Secret Service agents returned fire, striking the gunman, who was later taken to hospital and pronounced dead. A bystander was also wounded, though authorities did not immediately provide details on their condition, and no officers were injured. US media identified the suspect as Nasire Best, a 21-year-old man reportedly known to the Secret Service and Metropolitan Police Department and said to have a documented history of mental health conditions. CBS reported that he had previously attempted to gain entry to the White House in July 2025 and had later spent time in a psychiatric facility. President Donald Trump thanked Secret Service and law-enforcement officers for their "swift and professional action," saying the suspect had a "violent history" and possible obsession with the White House. Trump also linked the incident to his planned White House ballroom, arguing that future presidents should have a highly secure space built in Washington. The shooting unfolded while Trump was at the White House, though the Secret Service said no protectees or operations were affected. Reporters inside the White House were rushed into a briefing room after hearing gunshots, and some described the sounds as coming from outside the grounds. The incident remains under investigation, with road closures around the White House expected to continue overnight. Congressional leaders also praised the Secret Service’s response and expressed concern for the victims.
Entities: Secret Service, White House, Washington DC, Nasire Best, Donald TrumpTone: urgentSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Suspect dead after opening fire near White House security checkpoint

A person was killed after opening fire on a White House security checkpoint on Saturday evening, according to the U.S. Secret Service. Officers returned fire after the suspect allegedly pulled a weapon from a bag and began shooting near 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, just outside the White House complex. The suspect was later identified by a law enforcement official as 21-year-old Nasire Best. A bystander was also struck, though officials said it was not yet clear whether the injury came from the suspect’s bullets or from officers’ return fire. No Secret Service officers were injured, and President Donald Trump, who was at the White House at the time, was not impacted. The article places the incident in a broader context of repeated gunfire and security concerns around the White House and President Trump in recent weeks. It notes that this was the third instance of gunfire in the vicinity of the president in roughly a month, following an alleged attempted assassination on April 25 and a separate shooting near the Washington Monument on May 4. The story also references another nearby fatal attack in November involving members of the West Virginia National Guard. Video and eyewitness-like reporting from ABC News correspondent Selina Wang underscored the suddenness of the shooting, while photos and scene descriptions depicted a large law enforcement response and evidence markers outside the White House. Overall, the article emphasizes an urgent law-enforcement and security incident with broader implications for White House safety.
Entities: U.S. Secret Service, President Donald Trump, White House, Washington, D.C., 17th Street and Pennsylvania AvenueTone: urgentSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

CNN reporter describes moment gunshots heard near White House | CNN

CNN reporter Julia Benbrook describes the tense moment when reporters near the White House heard what appeared to be dozens of gunshots on Saturday evening, prompting an immediate lockdown and a swift response from the U.S. Secret Service. The article, presented as a short CNN video clip, centers on the sudden security scare and the reactions it triggered around one of the most heavily protected locations in the United States. According to the report, the sounds were significant enough to cause concern among journalists in the area and to set off heightened protective measures. The piece does not offer a detailed investigation into the source of the gunfire or confirm whether the sounds were actually gunshots, but instead focuses on the moment itself and the rapid emergency response. It frames the event as a live security incident near the White House, emphasizing the seriousness of the perceived threat and the speed with which authorities reacted. The surrounding webpage also includes other CNN video recommendations, but the main article content is the brief report about the reported gunshots and the lockdown response.
Entities: Julia Benbrook, Ileya Robinson-Williams, CNN, White House, U.S. Secret ServiceTone: urgentSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Man killed in shooting outside White House had previous Secret Service arrest, mental health concerns | CNNClose icon

A man identified by law enforcement sources as Nasire Best, 21, was shot and killed by Secret Service agents outside the White House after allegedly opening fire at a checkpoint. The article says Best had a troubling history involving prior encounters with the Secret Service, a previous involuntary psychiatric commitment, and an arrest by local police after he claimed he was Jesus Christ. Court records indicate he had repeatedly tried to access the White House complex or asked how to gain entry, making him known to the Secret Service before Saturday’s shooting. According to the reporting, Best approached a checkpoint outside the White House and began shooting at officers, prompting agents to return fire. A bystander was wounded in the exchange. President Trump, who was inside the White House at the time, was not harmed. The article also notes that Best’s social media included posts that appeared to threaten violence against Trump and others in which he claimed to be the son of God. Overall, the piece focuses on the shooting, the suspect’s documented mental health concerns, and his prior interactions with law enforcement and the Secret Service.
Entities: Nasire Best, Secret Service, White House, President Trump, CNNTone: urgentSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Secret Service says officers fatally shot a person who fired at them near White House | CNN PoliticsClose icon

According to the Secret Service, an armed individual approached a security checkpoint near the White House on Saturday evening and fired at officers, prompting agents to return fire and fatally shoot the suspect. A bystander was also struck during the exchange and remains in critical condition. President Donald Trump was inside the White House at the time, was not harmed, and was briefed on the incident. The confrontation triggered a rapid security response and a roughly 40-minute lockdown of the White House press area, with journalists sheltered in the briefing room after hearing gunshots and seeing agents move through the North Lawn. CNN identifies the suspect as 21-year-old Nasire Best, citing multiple law-enforcement sources. The article says Best had prior encounters with the Secret Service in 2025, including incidents in which he blocked an entry lane at the White House and later tried to enter a driveway, leading to a psychiatric evaluation and a court order barring him from White House grounds. Investigators also found social-media posts in which he made violent or erratic claims, including statements about being "God" and "the real" Osama bin Laden, and one post suggesting a desire to harm Trump. The piece frames the shooting as a major security incident near the presidential residence and includes Trump’s praise of the Secret Service’s quick response.
Entities: Secret Service, White House, Donald Trump, Nasire Best, Washington, D.C.Tone: urgentSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Gunman killed by Secret Service after shooting near White House - France 24

A gunman opened fire near the White House on Saturday evening, prompting a rapid response from the US Secret Service that ended with the suspect being shot dead. The incident occurred just after 6 p.m. near the White House security perimeter, where the man reportedly pulled a weapon from his bag and began firing. Secret Service officers returned fire, and the suspect was transported to a hospital where he was pronounced dead. A bystander was also struck by gunfire, though officials did not immediately provide details on that person’s condition. No Secret Service officers were injured. President Donald Trump was inside the White House at the time and was not harmed. According to Trump and the Secret Service, the suspect allegedly had a violent history and may have been obsessed with the White House. The shooting triggered a security lockdown and sent police, security forces, journalists, and nearby witnesses scrambling for cover. Several people described the gunfire as sounding like fireworks or numerous shots, highlighting the sudden panic caused by the incident. The article also places the shooting in the broader context of security threats involving Trump, noting previous alleged assassination attempts and the president’s repeated emphasis on security concerns. It mentions Trump’s ongoing White House ballroom project, which he has tied in part to security considerations. Overall, the piece reports a fast-moving security incident near a high-profile federal location and situates it within continuing concerns about political violence and presidential protection.
Entities: Donald Trump, White House, US Secret Service, Anthony Guglielmi, Washington, DCTone: urgentSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Terrifying moment gunshots rang out outside White House captured on camera

An ABC News correspondent was caught on camera diving for cover as gunshots erupted outside the White House on Saturday night, triggering a swift security response and lockdown measures on the grounds. According to the article, veteran reporter Selina Wang was filming a standup on the White House North Lawn, in the area known as “Pebble Beach,” when she and others heard what sounded like dozens of shots. The sudden gunfire caused immediate panic, with Wang and members of the press told to sprint into the press briefing room for safety. The article describes the scene as chaotic near the fenced perimeter around 17th Street Northwest and Pennsylvania Avenue, where Secret Service agents responded to an armed gunman who opened fire outside the facility’s gate. Law enforcement and Secret Service personnel were seen securing the area, investigating the scene, and monitoring the vicinity from the roof of the White House. The article relies on eyewitness-style reporting, Wang’s post on X, and photo captions to convey the intensity of the incident and the rapid response by authorities. Overall, the piece focuses on the frightening, real-time experience of the shooting event near one of the most heavily guarded locations in the United States, emphasizing the danger, confusion, and emergency response rather than providing a broader policy or investigative angle.
Entities: Selina Wang, ABC News, White House, North Lawn, Pebble BeachTone: urgentSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

White House on lockdown after dozens of shots fired

A shooting outside the White House on Saturday night triggered a lockdown and a rapid law-enforcement response after a 21-year-old man, identified as Nasire Best, opened fire at a checkpoint with a revolver or pistol, according to sources cited by the New York Post. Best was reportedly seen pacing erratically before the attack, and Secret Service officers quickly returned fire, killing him. At least one bystander was seriously wounded in the exchange, and the White House briefly went into lockdown before it was lifted roughly half an hour later. The article says Best had previously been known to the Secret Service because of repeated loitering near White House entry posts and prior run-ins with law enforcement, including an involuntary commitment and an arrest for unlawful entry. Court records quoted in the story say he claimed to be Jesus Christ and wanted to be arrested during one earlier encounter. Federal authorities, including the FBI, responded to the scene. The incident startled press members on the White House grounds, some of whom ran for cover during live reporting. Political leaders from both parties condemned the violence and praised the Secret Service’s quick response. President Trump also thanked law enforcement and used the episode to argue for stronger White House security, describing the site as a target requiring greater protection.
Entities: White House, Secret Service, FBI, Kash Patel, Nasire BestTone: urgentSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Gunman in Shooting Near White House Killed in Exchange of Fire With Secret Service - The New York Times

A man who the U.S. Secret Service had previously encountered approached the White House complex Saturday evening, drew a gun from a bag, and opened fire near the northwestern corner of the grounds. Secret Service officers returned fire and fatally wounded the gunman, identified by officials as 21-year-old Nasire Best. A bystander was also hit by gunfire, though the extent of that person’s injuries was not disclosed. No officers were injured. The shooting briefly locked down the White House and alarmed journalists on the North Lawn, who heard what sounded like dozens of shots and were rushed inside for cover. The article places the incident in a broader pattern of recent security threats near prominent federal sites in Washington, noting two other armed confrontations in the past month involving Secret Service officers near the White House and Washington Monument. It also recounts Best’s prior run-ins with authorities, including a July arrest for entering a restricted area of the White House grounds and a June involuntary hold after blocking a vehicle entrance. Court records showed a stay-away order and later a bench warrant after he failed to appear in court. President Trump, who was inside the White House at the time, thanked law enforcement on social media and used the episode to argue for an expanded ballroom and heightened security at the White House. The article emphasizes both the immediate danger posed by the shooting and the ongoing concern over security at the presidential residence.
Entities: White House, U.S. Secret Service, Nasire Best, Donald Trump, Secret Service police officersTone: urgentSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

US Secret Service fatally shoots gunman who opened fire near White House | South China Morning Post

A gunman opened fire near the White House on Saturday evening, prompting a deadly response from the US Secret Service. According to authorities, Secret Service agents exchanged gunfire with the assailant after he pulled a weapon from his bag and began shooting near the White House security perimeter. The suspect was struck, taken to a nearby hospital, and later pronounced dead. A bystander was also hit by gunfire during the incident, though officials did not immediately provide details about that person's condition. No Secret Service officers were reported injured. At the time of the shooting, President Donald Trump was inside the White House, where he was working on negotiations related to a deal with Iran. Secret Service communications chief Anthony Guglielmi said Trump was not affected by the incident. Trump later described the gunman as having a “violent history and possible obsession” with the White House. The article is a brief breaking-news account centered on the security incident, the law-enforcement response, and the fact that the president was safe. It highlights the proximity of the shooting to the White House, the fatal outcome for the gunman, and the presence of an injured bystander, while offering limited detail on motive or the bystander’s condition.
Entities: White House, US Secret Service, Donald Trump, Anthony Guglielmi, Washington, D.C.Tone: urgentSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Gunman, 21, killed by US Secret Service after opening fire near White House | The Straits Times

A gunman was killed by US Secret Service agents after opening fire near the White House on the evening of May 23, according to authorities. The suspect, identified by multiple US media as 21-year-old Nasire Best of Maryland, reportedly drew a weapon from his bag and began shooting near the White House security perimeter just after 6 p.m. local time. Secret Service officers returned fire, striking the suspect, who later died at an area hospital. A bystander was also hit by gunfire, though officials did not immediately disclose the person’s condition. No Secret Service officers were injured. President Donald Trump was inside the White House at the time and was not harmed. In a statement on Truth Social, Trump praised the Secret Service and law enforcement for their quick response, and House Republicans later thanked agents and said political violence must stop. Reports also noted that Best had a history of mental health concerns and prior interactions with Secret Service members, though authorities did not provide a detailed motive. The incident occurred against the backdrop of heightened concern over political violence in the United States and follows several alleged assassination attempts involving Trump, including a shooting at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, and other armed confrontations. The article also references Trump’s continuing White House security and construction plans, including a new ballroom project.
Entities: US Secret Service, White House, Washington, Donald Trump, Anthony GuglielmiTone: urgentSentiment: negativeIntent: inform