WASHINGTON — A man was fatally shot by U.S. Secret Service officers Saturday evening after authorities said he opened fire at a security checkpoint near the White House, prompting a temporary lockdown of the White House complex.
The shooting occurred shortly after 6 p.m. at a Secret Service checkpoint near 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW, according to a statement from the agency.
Officials said the man approached the checkpoint, removed a firearm from a bag and began firing at officers. Secret Service personnel returned fire, striking the suspect. He was transported to a hospital, where he later died.
A bystander was also wounded during the exchange of gunfire, though authorities said it was not immediately clear whose gunfire struck the individual. The person’s condition was not released.
Six senior law enforcement officials identified the suspect as 21-year-old Nasire Best.
Authorities said Best had previous encounters with law enforcement and a documented history of mental health concerns. Court records from the Superior Court of the District of Columbia show Best was arrested July 10 on an unlawful entry charge after entering a restricted area near the White House. According to the filing, Best told officers during that incident that he was Jesus Christ and wanted to be arrested.
The records also state Best was known to the Secret Service for repeatedly asking security personnel at White House entrances how to gain access to the complex.
In June, Best was involuntarily committed after obstructing vehicle access to the White House grounds, according to court documents.
President Donald Trump was at the White House at the time of the shooting but was not injured, the Secret Service said. No agents were reported hurt.
A White House official said Trump was briefed on the incident.
Reporters gathered on the North Lawn said they heard between 20 and 30 gunshots shortly after 6 p.m. Secret Service agents directed members of the press to shelter inside the briefing room as armed officers secured the area.
The White House and surrounding grounds were placed on lockdown for roughly 40 minutes before restrictions were lifted around 6:46 p.m.
FBI Director Kash Patel said on X that FBI agents were assisting the Secret Service at the scene. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Metropolitan Police Department also responded.
Vice President JD Vance had been at the White House earlier in the day, though officials did not immediately confirm whether he was on the grounds during the shooting.
The incident occurred along the pedestrian section of Pennsylvania Avenue bordering the north side of the White House, an area that had partially reopened to the public earlier this week following a lengthy closure.
The shooting remains under investigation.
