US Secret Service Officers Shoot and Kill Suspect Near White House Checkpoint

Secret Service officers shot and killed a gunman on May 23, 2026, after the individual opened fire at a security checkpoint near the White House.

The incident occurred shortly before 6 p.m. ET at a security checkpoint located near 17th Street NW and Pennsylvania Avenue. According to the U.S. Secret Service, the suspect approached the checkpoint, removed a handgun from a bag, and began firing at officers.

Officers returned fire and struck the suspect. The individual was transported to an area hospital, where he later died.

Suspect Identification and Casualties

Multiple sources identified the suspect as Nasire Best, 21, of Maryland.

A bystander was also struck by gunfire during the incident and is currently in critical condition. Law enforcement officials stated it remains unclear if the bystander was hit by the initial gunfire from the suspect or during the subsequent exchange of gunfire with Secret Service officers.

White House Response and Security Lockdown

President Donald Trump was inside the White House residence during the shooting and was not affected. A White House official confirmed that the president has been briefed on the incident.

The shooting triggered a security lockdown of the White House grounds that lasted approximately 40 minutes. Members of the press corps on the North Lawn were rushed into the White House briefing room and ordered to shelter in place.

During the lockdown, Secret Service agents warned journalists that shots fired and instructed them to get down.

The gunfire broke out nearly an hour after a press lid had been called at 5:06 p.m. On May 23, 2026, which signaled to reporters that the president was not expected to appear again for the remainder of the day. By the time the shooting occurred, many journalists and White House press staff had already departed the complex.