Police and members of the Secret Service block streets around the White House, Saturday, May 23, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
The White House was briefly placed on lockdown Saturday evening after a man opened fire on Secret Service officers at a security checkpoint, leading to a deadly exchange of gunfire, according to officials.
The incident unfolded shortly after 6 p.m. near 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW. Authorities said the suspect approached the checkpoint, pulled a firearm from a bag, and began shooting at officers.
Shooter was Pronounced Dead at Hospital
Secret Service agents returned fire, striking the suspect, who was taken to a hospital and later pronounced dead. Officials identified him as Nasire Best. The shooting is still under investigation.
A bystander was also hit during the chaos, though officials have not yet determined whose bullet caused the injury. No update on that person’s condition was immediately released.
Law enforcement sources said Best had previous interactions with local police and a documented history involving mental health concerns.
President Donald Trump was inside the White House at the time but was not harmed. Officials also confirmed that no Secret Service agents were injured.
Secret Service Escorted Reporters into Briefing Room
An NBC News crew stationed outside the White House reported hearing roughly 20 to 30 gunshots around 6:04 p.m. Secret Service agents quickly ordered reporters on the North Lawn to move into the briefing room as armed officers secured the area.
The White House complex remained under lockdown for about 40 minutes before restrictions were lifted at 6:46 p.m.
FBI Director Kash Patel said the FBI is assisting the Secret Service with the investigation. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Metropolitan Police Department are also involved.
Vice President JD Vance had reportedly been at the White House earlier in the day, though it remains unclear whether he was still there when the shooting occurred.
The gunfire erupted near the western side of Pennsylvania Avenue, a pedestrian area along the north side of the White House that had only recently reopened to the public after being closed for several months.
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