Secret Service says officers fatally shot a person who fired at them near White House
Secret Service Says Officers Fatally Shot a Person Who Fired at Them Near White House
Secret Service says officers fatally shot – On Saturday, Secret Service agents took action after an individual opened fire near the White House complex, resulting in a fatal shooting. According to a spokesperson for the agency, the suspect approached a security checkpoint just outside the presidential residence and began discharging gunfire at officers. The exchange led to the suspect being shot and later pronounced dead at a local hospital, the official confirmed. The incident occurred shortly before 6 p.m. ET, marking a tense moment in the nation’s capital.
The spokesperson described the sequence of events as part of a preliminary investigation, noting that the suspect had a history of interactions with the Secret Service. Prior to Saturday’s incident, Best had been detained in June 2025 for blocking an entry lane at the White House, where he was temporarily held for evaluation. He had also claimed to be “God” during that encounter, according to a law enforcement source. A month later, in July 2025, Best was arrested again after attempting to access the complex driveway. The arrest followed a judge’s order requiring him to remain away from the White House grounds.
Investigators discovered Best had made provocative statements on social media, including asserting he was “the real” Osama bin Laden. At least one post appeared to express his intent to harm President Donald Trump, though no prior incidents of violent behavior or weapon use were reported by authorities. Despite these claims, the suspect had not demonstrated aggression or threat during previous encounters. His actions on Saturday, however, underscored the potential risks of such incidents, even for those with a history of non-violent interactions with security.
Press and Public Reaction
The gunfire erupted nearly an hour after a press lid was called at 5:06 p.m. — a routine signal indicating the President’s schedule would be uninterrupted. But this time, the sound of shots shattered expectations, prompting a rapid lockdown for the press corps. CNN reporters on the North Lawn immediately took cover, capturing the chaos as Secret Service agents shouted orders to “get down” and warned of imminent danger. Around two dozen journalists, including photographers and correspondents, were sheltered inside the White House briefing room during the lockdown, which lasted approximately 40 minutes before being lifted at 6:45 p.m. ET.
Meanwhile, the incident unfolded as several top administration figures, including White House chief of staff Susie Wiles, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and Vice President JD Vance, were seen exiting the complex. Trump, who had canceled his planned trip to a golf club in New Jersey, remained in the White House residence during the event, according to the spokesperson. The President was informed of the shooting by Secret Service personnel, and his team has since been coordinating responses to the situation.
Following the incident, Trump took to Truth Social to commend the Secret Service and law enforcement for their swift action. “This incident highlights how crucial it is to provide future Presidents with the safest and most secure environment ever constructed in Washington, D.C.,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of robust protection measures. The President’s message came after the sounds of gunfire disrupted the day’s planned activities, leaving many on-site staff and journalists in a state of heightened alert.
Details About the Suspect
Nasire Best, the 21-year-old suspect, had a documented history with the Secret Service, according to law enforcement sources. His first encounter occurred in June 2025, when he blocked a security lane at the White House, leading to his detention. During this incident, Best had reportedly claimed to be a divine figure, which prompted further scrutiny. He was then admitted to the Psychiatric Institute of Washington for mental evaluation, a step taken to assess his stability.
Best’s second notable interaction with security came in July 2025, when he attempted to enter the White House complex driveway. This led to his arrest and the issuance of a court order mandating he stay away from the presidential grounds. Despite these measures, Best managed to approach the checkpoint again on Saturday, suggesting a pattern of persistent challenges to security protocols.
While the exact motives behind Saturday’s attack remain under investigation, officials noted the suspect’s social media activity as a potential indicator of his intent. Posts from Best hinted at a desire to target Trump, though no direct threat had been verified prior to the incident. This combination of past interactions and recent behavior raised questions about the adequacy of current security assessments and the need for ongoing monitoring of individuals with potential ties to the President.
Aftermath and Ongoing Investigations
As the situation stabilized, a law enforcement official reported that a bystander was critically injured during the exchange. The cause of the bystander’s wound — whether from the suspect’s initial fire or the officers’ response — remains uncertain. The injured individual’s condition has been described as severe, though no further details have been released.
CNN’s coverage of the incident included footage of the gunfire and its immediate effects on the White House grounds. The network also captured the rapid deployment of Secret Service agents, who moved through the North Lawn area to secure the site. The event drew comparisons to the previous month’s White House Correspondents’ Dinner, where a similar disruption occurred as shots were fired, prompting journalists to seek cover.
Authorities have since reached out to the White House, DC Metropolitan Police, and the DC Fire and EMS Department for additional comments. The FBI, meanwhile, has been on the scene to support the Secret Service’s investigation. Selina Wang, ABC News’ chief White House correspondent, shared a video on X showing the moment shots rang out and her team took shelter, capturing the event in real-time.
As the investigation continues, officials are reviewing the suspect’s history and any possible links to extremist ideologies. The episode has reignited discussions about the balance between security measures and public access to the White House, with some questioning whether the events could have been prevented. Meanwhile, Trump’s administration is expected to provide further updates on the incident, ensuring transparency in the face of public scrutiny.