US Secret Service Kills Armed Man After White House Security Breach

The United States Secret Service on Saturday shot dead an armed man who opened fire at a security checkpoint near the White House, in an incident that also left a bystander wounded and briefly placed the presidential complex on lockdown.

The shooting took place shortly after 6 p.m. local time at the intersection of 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, D.C., one of the key access points close to the White House grounds.

According to the Secret Service, the suspect walked up to the checkpoint, pulled a firearm from a bag and began shooting at officers stationed on duty.

Agents immediately returned fire, striking the gunman, who was later confirmed dead at a nearby hospital. No Secret Service personnel were injured in the exchange.

Authorities said a bystander was also hit during the incident. It was not immediately clear whether the person was struck by the suspect’s gunfire or during the crossfire between the suspect and responding officers.

The White House was placed under temporary lockdown as security units secured the perimeter and restricted movement around the complex. President Donald Trump was inside the White House at the time but was not harmed.

CBS News identified the suspect as 21-year-old Nasir Best, who was reportedly known to law enforcement and had a documented history of mental health concerns.

Officials have not yet confirmed a motive for the attack, but early indications suggest the suspect acted alone.

Following the incident, Trump praised the rapid response of security operatives.

“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,” he posted on Truth Social.

He also described the suspect as someone with a violent past and suggested the attack highlighted the continued need for strong protective measures around the presidency.

The White House has experienced heightened security alerts in recent weeks, including an earlier incident that authorities described as an attempted assassination-related breach involving an armed suspect who forced his way through a security checkpoint in Washington.

That suspect was later arrested and charged after allegedly attempting to approach a venue where the president was expected to speak.

Saturday’s incident adds to growing concerns over repeated security threats near high-profile federal installations in Washington, even as officials insist that protective protocols remain strong and responsive.

Investigations into the shooting are ongoing.