Secret Service agent kills suspect in White House perimeter shooting
President Donald Trump remains unharmed as lockdown is imposed; incident marks third alleged attempt on the President’s life in recent months.
A 21-year-old man was shot dead by United States Secret Service officers on Saturday evening after opening fire on a security checkpoint near the White House in Washington, DC. The incident occurred shortly after 18:00 local time at the intersection of 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, prompting an immediate lockdown of the presidential residence.
The suspect, identified by US media as Nasire Best from Maryland, approached the checkpoint and pulled a weapon from his bag before firing at officers. An exchange of gunfire ensued, resulting in Best’s death at a nearby hospital and one bystander being wounded and transported to medical care. No Secret Service agents were injured during the confrontation.
President Donald Trump was present in the White House at the time of the shooting. The Secret Service confirmed that no protectees were harmed and that operations were not impacted. Best had a documented history of mental health conditions and had previously violated stay-away orders, according to reports from Reuters and CNN.
Best had attempted to gain access to the White House complex on several occasions in the previous year, including incidents in June and July 2025 that resulted in detentions and psychiatric evaluations. Social media accounts linked to Best included posts threatening violence against Trump and claiming to be the "son of God."
This event is described as the third alleged assassination attempt on President Trump in recent months. Previous incidents include the July 2024 shooting at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, and the April 2026 incident at the Washington Hilton hotel during the White House Correspondents' Dinner.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump thanked law enforcement for their "swift and professional action" and referenced the need for enhanced security, linking the incident to previous attempts on his life. He stated that the event underscores the importance of creating a secure space for future Presidents.
