A gunman was shot dead by United States Secret Service agents after opening fire near the White House on Saturday evening, authorities confirmed.
The incident unfolded shortly after 6 p.m. local time near the White House security perimeter while President Donald Trump was inside the presidential residence. Officials said the president was not harmed.
According to Secret Service communications chief Anthony Guglielmi, the suspect pulled a weapon from a bag and began shooting, prompting agents to return fire.
“The Secret Service Police responded immediately, striking the suspect,” Guglielmi said in a statement, adding that the man was taken to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead.
A bystander was also hit during the exchange of gunfire, though officials did not immediately release details about the person’s condition. No Secret Service officers were injured.
The suspect was later identified by several US media outlets as 21-year-old Nasire Best from Maryland. Reports said he had a history of mental health concerns and had previous interactions with security agencies.
Security forces quickly flooded the area, shutting down access around the White House as National Guard personnel and police secured the scene.
Witnesses described moments of panic.
“We heard what sounded like fireworks at first, then people started running,” Canadian tourist Reid Adrian told AFP.
Journalists on the White House grounds were reportedly instructed to seek cover immediately. ABC correspondent Selina Wang, who was recording a video nearby, said the shooting sounded like “dozens of gunshots.”
President Trump later praised security personnel for their swift response.
“Thank you to our great Secret Service and law enforcement for the swift and professional action taken,” Trump wrote on Truth Social, describing the suspect as someone with a violent background and an apparent fixation on the White House.
The shooting renewed attention on threats against Trump, who has survived multiple alleged assassination attempts in recent years.
One of the most serious incidents occurred during a 2024 campaign rally in Pennsylvania, where a gunman killed a spectator and grazed Trump’s ear. Another armed suspect was later arrested near a golf course where the president was playing.
Following Saturday’s shooting, Republican lawmakers also commended the Secret Service and renewed calls against political violence. Investigations into the latest incident remain ongoing.
