Secret Service Shoots Dead Armed Suspect After Gunfire Near White House

Secret Service Shoots Dead Armed Suspect After Gunfire Near White House

A White House security shooting on Saturday evening left a 21-year-old armed suspect dead after he allegedly opened fire at a Secret Service security checkpoint just outside the presidential complex in Washington, D.C.

The suspect, identified as Nasire Best, reportedly approached the checkpoint near the intersection of 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest shortly after 6 p.m. local time before pulling a firearm from a bag and firing at officers.

According to the U.S. Secret Service, officers immediately returned fire, striking the suspect during the exchange. He was rushed to George Washington University Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

The incident triggered an immediate White House lockdown, forcing journalists and staff members on the North Lawn to shelter in place as armed agents secured the area.

Witnesses described hearing between 15 and 30 gunshots during the brief but intense confrontation, which caused panic around the heavily guarded perimeter of the White House.

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Authorities also confirmed that one bystander was injured during the shooting and taken to hospital for treatment. However, investigators have yet to determine whether the person was struck by bullets fired by the suspect or by return fire from Secret Service officers.

Importantly, no Secret Service personnel were injured in the attack.

At the time of the shooting, President Donald Trump was inside the White House but was not harmed or directly affected, according to officials.

The lockdown was lifted less than an hour later after law enforcement confirmed that the threat had been neutralised.

FBI Director Kash Patel said the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is assisting the Secret Service with the ongoing investigation.

Preliminary reports from U.S. media indicate that the suspect may have had previous encounters with law enforcement and the Secret Service. Some reports suggest he had attempted to access restricted areas around the White House in the past.

Investigators are currently working to determine the motive behind the attack, while federal authorities continue to examine the suspect’s background and possible intentions.

The Washington shooting near the White House has renewed concerns about security threats targeting high-profile U.S. political institutions, despite the extensive protective measures already in place around the presidential residence.

 

Secret Service Shoots Dead Armed Suspect After Gunfire Near White House