The Secret Service shot and killed a man who opened fire at a White House security checkpoint on Saturday, May 23, 2026, shortly after 6 p.m. The suspect, identified as 21-year-old Nasire Best of Dundalk, Maryland, approached the checkpoint at 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW, pulled a gun from a bag and fired at officers. President Donald Trump was inside the White House at the time but was not injured in the incident.
Officers returned fire and wounded Best, who was transported to a hospital where he later died. A male bystander was also struck by gunfire and sustained non-life-threatening injuries. The bystander remains hospitalized. No Secret Service agents were injured during the confrontation.
Main Developments
The shooting unfolded at approximately 6:04 p.m. at the security checkpoint located at 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW in Washington, D.C. According to authorities, Best approached the checkpoint and pulled a firearm from a bag before opening fire on officers stationed at the location.
Secret Service officers immediately returned fire, striking the suspect. An NBC News team near the scene reported hearing between 20 and 30 gunshots at approximately 6:04 p.m. The White House was immediately placed on lockdown following the incident.
The lockdown lasted approximately 42 minutes, beginning at around 6:04 p.m. and lifting at 6:46 p.m. During this time, security personnel secured the premises while emergency responders attended to the wounded.
Best was transported to a hospital following the shooting, where he was later pronounced dead. The male bystander who was shot is receiving medical treatment for injuries described as non-life-threatening.
What We Know So Far
The suspect has been identified as Nasire Best, a 21-year-old resident of Dundalk, Maryland. Best had a documented history with law enforcement and mental health concerns that included previous incidents at the White House complex.
On July 10, Best was arrested for unlawful entry after walking into a restricted area near the White House. During that incident, he reportedly claimed he was Jesus Christ and stated that he wanted to get arrested. Prior to that arrest, Best was known to Secret Service personnel for walking around the White House complex and asking about access to the grounds.
In June 2026, Best was involuntarily committed after obstructing vehicle entry to the White House complex. This documented pattern of behavior indicates that Best had multiple prior contacts with law enforcement and security personnel in the months leading up to the fatal shooting.
President Trump was confirmed to be at the White House during the shooting but was not injured. Following the incident, Trump thanked law enforcement for their actions to stop the gunman and reiterated his call for building the most safe and secure space of its kind.
Vice President JD Vance was at the White House earlier on Sunday, though it remains unclear whether he was present during the shooting itself.
What Happens Next
Multiple federal agencies are now involved in the investigation. The FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are assisting the Secret Service and the Metropolitan Police Department in their investigation of the incident.
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that the FBI is on scene supporting the Secret Service investigation. Authorities have not yet disclosed a motive for the shooting, and the investigation remains active.
The type of weapon used by the suspect has not been publicly identified. Investigators are expected to examine Best’s background, including his documented mental health history and previous encounters with law enforcement near the White House, as part of their ongoing inquiry.
Important Details
The shooting occurred at a section of the pedestrian plaza that had reopened to the public just days earlier following a monthslong closure. This area at 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW serves as a security checkpoint for the White House complex.
The timeline of events based on confirmed information is as follows:
At approximately 6:04 p.m. on Saturday, May 23, 2026, the shooting occurred at the checkpoint. The White House entered lockdown immediately. By 6:46 p.m., the lockdown was lifted after security personnel determined the immediate threat had been neutralized.
The suspect’s prior documented incidents include his involuntary commitment in June 2026 for obstructing vehicle entry to the White House complex, and his arrest on July 10 for unlawful entry into a restricted area near the White House.
Authorities have confirmed that no Secret Service agents sustained injuries during the exchange of gunfire. The wounded bystander is the only person besides the suspect who was struck by gunfire, and that individual’s injuries have been described as non-life-threatening.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was President Trump injured in the White House shooting?
No. President Trump was at the White House during the shooting but was not injured. He later thanked law enforcement for their response to the incident.
Who was the White House shooting suspect?
The suspect was identified as 21-year-old Nasire Best of Dundalk, Maryland. He had a documented history with law enforcement and mental health concerns, including a previous arrest for unlawful entry near the White House in July and an involuntary commitment in June 2026.
How long was the White House on lockdown?
The White House lockdown lasted approximately 42 minutes, from around 6:04 p.m. until 6:46 p.m. on Saturday, May 23, 2026.
Were any Secret Service agents hurt in the shooting?
No Secret Service agents were injured during the incident. One male bystander was shot and sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
What agencies are investigating the White House shooting?
The FBI and ATF are assisting the Secret Service and the Metropolitan Police Department in the investigation. FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed the FBI is on scene supporting the Secret Service.
The investigation into the White House security checkpoint shooting remains ongoing. Authorities have not disclosed a motive for the attack, and federal agencies continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident. The wounded bystander remains hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries as investigators work to establish a complete picture of the events that led to the fatal confrontation.
