Gunman killed after opening fire on Secret Service checkpoint outside White House, officials say
Gunman Killed After Opening Fire on Secret Service Checkpoint Near White House
Gunman killed after opening fire on Secret – On Saturday night, a lone gunman was shot and killed after firing at a Secret Service security post outside the White House, according to officials. The incident occurred near a Starbucks located on Pennsylvania Avenue NW, where U.S. Secret Service officers were stationed to monitor the area. The suspect, identified as Nasire Best, 21, approached the checkpoint and pulled a weapon from his bag before commencing the attack. Law enforcement sources confirmed that officers quickly responded, neutralizing the threat in a matter of moments.
Identification of the Suspect and Medical Details
Best, a resident of Washington, D.C., for approximately 18 months, was later identified as the individual responsible for the shooting. He was transported to George Washington University Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. A law enforcement official stated that the suspect had previously been known to both the Metropolitan Police Department and the Secret Service, raising questions about his familiarity with the area and potential prior interactions.
“We are grateful for our brave Secret Service agents who took quick, decisive action to protect President Trump, and our prayers are with the victims of tonight’s senseless shooting for a speedy recovery,” wrote House Speaker Mike Johnson on X.
The suspect’s history with the Secret Service dates back to July 2025, when he attempted to enter the White House and was detained near the premises. At that time, he was found to have mental health concerns and was subsequently admitted to a psychiatric ward. This incident appears to have been a catalyst for increased scrutiny of his behavior in the weeks leading up to Saturday’s event.
According to a preliminary investigation, the shooting involved a rapid exchange of gunfire. The suspect fired between 10 and 20 rounds at the security booth, prompting officers to return fire. While the exact number of shots remains under review, the rapid response from the Secret Service officers led to the suspect’s immediate demise. The spokesperson noted that the suspect’s name was not released to the public at the time of the incident.
Impact on the White House and Public Reaction
Senator John Thune, the Senate Majority Leader, praised the Secret Service’s actions in a social media post, stating, “I was grateful for the Secret Service and the agents’ decisive actions to protect President Trump and everyone at and around the White House this evening.” This sentiment was echoed by other officials, highlighting the critical role of the agency in safeguarding the president during the attack.
The shooting took place just days after the White House had resumed normal operations following a lockdown triggered by a similar incident at the Washington, D.C., hotel ballroom hosting the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. That earlier breach had raised alarms about the security protocols surrounding the presidential residence, and Saturday’s event further underscored the need for vigilance. The lockdown was lifted shortly after the current shooting, allowing media personnel to return to the North Lawn.
A bystander was also struck by gunfire during the attack, though it remains unclear whether the injury was caused by the suspect or the officers’ return fire. The bystander’s condition was not immediately disclosed, but their survival was noted as a positive outcome of the swift response. Importantly, none of the Secret Service personnel were injured, a detail emphasized by the spokesperson as a testament to the agency’s preparedness.
President Trump’s Response and Ongoing Activities
President Donald Trump was present at the White House during the incident but was not directly harmed. A White House official confirmed that the president had been briefed on the event and remained unharmed. Despite the alarming nature of the attack, the president and his team continued their efforts to negotiate a peace deal with Iran, a process that has been ongoing throughout the weekend.
The Secret Service confirmed that Mr. Trump was at the White House during the shooting, adding that the location of the president’s position was not compromised. This assurance comes amid heightened security concerns, particularly following the earlier incident at the Correspondents’ Dinner. The agency’s ability to respond swiftly and effectively has been a key point of praise from both political leaders and the public.
Additional Context and Details
CBS News White House associate producer Emma Nicholson shared an account of the events as they unfolded. She described how her team was preparing to record for the “CBS Weekend News” when they heard the sound of multiple gunshots near the White House. “We ducked to the ground immediately,” she recounted in a social media post. The crew was then directed into the White House shortly after, as the security team worked to contain the situation.
The location of the shooting—specifically, the Starbucks on Pennsylvania Avenue—adds a layer of everyday normalcy to the otherwise dramatic event. This detail has sparked discussions about how security threats can emerge in seemingly routine settings. The Starbucks, a popular spot for both locals and visitors, became an unexpected site for the conflict, drawing attention to the proximity of high-profile locations to potential targets.
Law enforcement sources emphasized that the suspect’s mental health history played a role in the incident. While the exact nature of his condition was not specified, his prior arrest for attempting to breach the White House suggests that his actions were motivated by a perceived opportunity or a specific intent. The spokesperson noted that the suspect had been flagged for his psychological state, which may have contributed to the decision to take immediate action during the attack.
Following the shooting, the Secret Service reported that the suspect had a clear understanding of the checkpoint’s location and the presence of officers. This knowledge allowed him to target the security post with precision, indicating a level of planning or awareness that could not be overlooked. The agency’s spokesperson described the suspect’s actions as “calculated,” though the exact sequence of events is still under investigation.
As the incident unfolded, the Secret Service’s response was lauded for its efficiency and composure. The officers’ ability to neutralize the threat without causing casualties demonstrates their training and readiness. However, the event has also prompted a review of security measures at the White House, particularly those in place for public areas such as the North Lawn and adjacent spaces.
The shooting has been a focal point for media and officials alike, with CBS News providing updates on the situation. The incident has been compared to the earlier breach at the Correspondents’ Dinner, where a gunman had entered the hotel ballroom and reached the White House grounds. While the circumstances of the two events differ, they have both highlighted the vulnerabilities of security checkpoints and the potential for rapid escalation in high-profile locations.
In the wake of the shooting, the Secret Service has maintained a high level of alertness, ensuring that all potential threats are addressed promptly. The agency’s spokesperson reiterated that no personnel were harmed, a critical detail in the ongoing assessment of the situation. Meanwhile, the media continues to monitor the case for further developments, with the suspect’s identity and motive expected to be clarified in the coming days.
As the White House reopens to the public, the incident serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between security and accessibility. The Starbucks on Pennsylvania Avenue, once a quiet hub of activity, now stands as a symbol of the unexpected challenges that can arise in even the most familiar environments. The response from the Secret Service has been widely recognized, but the broader implications for national security remain under discussion as the investigation progresses.