White House Under Lockdown After Gunman Opens Fire Near Security Checkpoint

A major security scare unfolded at the White House on Saturday evening after an armed suspect opened fire near a security checkpoint, triggering an immediate lockdown of the presidential complex and a swift response from the United States Secret Service.

The incident occurred shortly after 6 p.m. local time near 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW, an area close to the White House security perimeter. According to the Secret Service, the suspect approached officers stationed at the checkpoint, removed a firearm from his bag and began shooting. Secret Service personnel immediately returned fire, critically wounding the suspect, who was later pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.

Anthony Guglielmi, Chief of Communications for the United States Secret Service, confirmed the development in an official statement. “Secret Service Police returned fire striking the suspect who was transported to an area hospital where he was pronounced deceased,” he said.

Authorities also confirmed that one bystander sustained gunshot injuries during the exchange. Investigators are yet to determine whether the civilian was struck by bullets fired by the suspect or during the return fire from officers.

No Secret Service officer was injured in the incident.

The shooting caused panic around the White House complex as security operatives quickly sealed off sections of the area. Crime scene tapes were placed across the pavement while investigators marked multiple evidence points around the scene.

Eyewitnesses and members of the White House press corps reported hearing between 20 and 30 gunshots during the confrontation. NBC News correspondents stationed on the North Lawn said the gunfire erupted at approximately 6:04 p.m. EST, sending security officials and journalists scrambling for cover.

President Donald Trump was reportedly inside the White House at the time of the shooting and was immediately briefed on the situation by security officials.

Federal Bureau of Investigation Director Kash Patel later confirmed that authorities were responding to reports of shots fired near the White House and said further updates would be provided after preliminary investigations.

Multiple senior law enforcement officials identified the suspect as Nasire Best. According to investigators, he had previous encounters with local law enforcement agencies and reportedly suffered from mental health challenges.

Additional reports from American media outlets suggested the suspect may have believed he was Jesus Christ before carrying out the attack, though authorities have yet to officially confirm the claim. Emergency medical materials, including surgical gloves and trauma response kits, were seen scattered near the scene as investigators continued forensic examinations late into the evening.

The Secret Service said investigations remain ongoing as security agencies work to establish the suspect’s motive and reconstruct the sequence of events surrounding the attempted attack.