A gunman was shot dead by agents of the United States Secret Service on Saturday evening after opening fire near the White House security perimeter in Washington, D.C., triggering widespread panic around the presidential complex and forcing journalists, tourists and security personnel to scramble for safety.
The dramatic incident occurred shortly after 6:00 p.m. local time when the suspect reportedly removed a firearm from a bag and began shooting close to the heavily fortified White House grounds.
According to authorities, Secret Service agents stationed near the area responded immediately to the gunfire and engaged the suspect in a shootout.
The suspect was fatally wounded during the exchange and later pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.
Confirming the incident in a statement, Secret Service communications chief Anthony Guglielmi said officers acted swiftly to neutralise the threat before it could escalate further.
“Secret Service Police returned fire striking the suspect who was transported to an area hospital where he was pronounced deceased. During the shooting one bystander was also struck by gunfire,” Guglielmi stated.
Authorities said no Secret Service officers were injured during the confrontation.
The identity of the bystander injured during the incident was not immediately disclosed, while officials also did not clarify whether the injury was caused by the suspect’s gunfire or shots fired during the exchange with law enforcement.
At the time of the shooting, United States President Donald Trump was reportedly inside the White House engaged in meetings relating to ongoing diplomatic discussions involving Iran and broader Middle East security concerns.
Security officials confirmed that the president was unharmed during the incident.
Shortly after the situation was brought under control, Trump reacted publicly in a post shared on his Truth Social platform, praising the actions of the Secret Service and other law enforcement agencies involved in the response.
“Thank you to our great Secret Service and Law Enforcement for the swift and professional action taken this evening against a gunman near the White House, who had a violent history and possible obsession with our Country’s most cherished structure,” Trump wrote.
The incident immediately triggered a major security lockdown around downtown Washington, as police officers, federal agents and members of the National Guard sealed off roads and restricted movement near the White House complex.
Witnesses described scenes of confusion and fear as gunshots rang out across the area.
An AFP journalist at the scene reported seeing heavily armed security personnel taking positions around the White House perimeter while emergency vehicles flooded nearby streets.
Several people in the area reportedly fled in panic after mistaking the gunfire for explosions or fireworks.
Canadian tourist Reid Adrian described the frightening moments during the incident.
“We heard probably 20 to 25 what sounded like fireworks, but they’re gunshots, and then everyone started running,” Adrian said.
Journalists stationed around the White House also experienced tense moments as the shooting unfolded.
Reporters gathered on the White House North Lawn were reportedly ordered by security personnel to immediately take cover inside the White House press briefing room.
Among those caught in the chaos was Selina Wang of ABC News, who was recording a social media video when the shooting erupted.
The sound of rapid gunfire was reportedly captured on video as the journalist quickly dropped to the ground for safety.
“It sounded like dozens of gunshots,” Wang later wrote on X.
Several American media outlets later identified the suspected gunman as 21-year-old Nasire Best from Maryland.
Preliminary reports indicated that the suspect had a history of mental health concerns and may have previously come to the attention of law enforcement and Secret Service personnel.
Investigators are currently working to determine the motive behind the shooting and whether the White House or President Trump himself was specifically targeted.
Federal authorities have not yet disclosed how the suspect was able to approach the heavily guarded area armed with a firearm before opening fire.
The latest incident has renewed concerns over security threats surrounding President Trump, who has faced multiple alleged assassination threats and security scares in recent years.
In July 2024, a gunman opened fire during a Trump campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, killing one attendee and grazing the president’s ear in an incident that shocked the United States and intensified debate over political violence.
Months later, another armed suspect was arrested near a golf course in West Palm Beach, Florida, where Trump was reportedly spending time.
Saturday’s shooting near the White House has further heightened fears about the increasing frequency of politically charged violence and threats targeting public officials in the United States.
Reacting to the latest incident, Republican lawmakers in the House of Representatives praised security operatives for their rapid intervention.
“Thank God President Trump is safe,” House Republicans said in a statement posted on X.
“Endless gratitude to the Secret Service for their immediate, heroic response. Political violence has to stop,” the statement added.
Political observers say the incident is likely to intensify ongoing discussions around presidential security and the protection of federal institutions in Washington.
Trump has repeatedly referenced security threats as justification for expanding and redesigning parts of the White House complex since returning to office.
One of the most controversial projects currently underway is a reported $400 million ballroom and security expansion project within the White House grounds.
According to reports, the project is expected to include multiple underground floors and advanced security infrastructure designed to withstand modern threats, including drones and possible attacks.
Trump has reportedly described the proposed facility as “drone-proof” and indicated that it would include a military-grade hospital facility beneath the structure.
Meanwhile, federal authorities continue investigations into Saturday’s shooting as security remains heightened around the White House and other major government buildings across Washington, D.C.
