Gunfire Outside White House Sparks Lockdown: Suspect Killed, Bystander Injured

A gunman who opened fire near a White House security checkpoint on Saturday evening has died after he was shot by officers of the United States Secret Service.

The incident occurred near 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW, close to the White House grounds, where security agencies swiftly locked down the area after gunshots rang out.

According to the U.S. Secret Service, the suspect approached the checkpoint shortly after 6 p.m., pulled a weapon from his bag and began firing at officers.

The officers returned fire, hitting the suspect, who was later pronounced dead at a hospital.

A bystander was also struck by gunfire during the incident, although officials had not immediately confirmed whether the person was hit by the suspect’s bullets or during the exchange of fire with officers. No Secret Service officer was injured.

President Donald Trump was inside the White House at the time of the shooting but was not affected, the Secret Service said.

The shooting triggered a heavy security response, with operatives of the Secret Service, FBI and police swarming the area.

Access roads around the White House were cordoned off as investigators moved in.

Journalists working at the White House reported hearing several gunshots and were ordered to take shelter inside the press briefing room.

ABC News correspondent Selina Wang said she was recording on the North Lawn when the shots rang out and reporters were told to run to safety.Breaking news app

FBI Director Kash Patel said the agency was on the scene and supporting the Secret Service in its response to the shooting.

The suspect was later identified by officials as 21-year-old Nasire Best, according to the Associated Press.

Court records cited by AP showed that Best had previously been arrested in 2025 after allegedly attempting to enter a White House checkpoint without authorisation.

Saturday’s shooting is the latest gunfire incident near the U.S. president in recent weeks.

It came after a previous shooting incident at the hotel hosting the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner in April, where Trump and other officials were rushed out.