May 24, (THEWILL) — Tension gripped Washington on Saturday evening after officers of the United States Secret Service shot dead an armed suspect who allegedly opened fire near the White House, forcing a temporary lockdown of the presidential complex while U.S. President Donald Trump was inside the building.
The suspect, identified by authorities as 21-year-old Nasire Best, was killed after a brief exchange of gunfire with Secret Service officers at a security checkpoint located at the intersection of 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest shortly after 6:00 p.m. local time.
According to officials, the suspect approached the checkpoint carrying a bag before pulling out a firearm and opening fire on officers stationed near the White House perimeter.
Secret Service agents immediately returned fire, striking the suspect multiple times. He was rushed to George Washington University Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Authorities said between 15 and 30 rounds were discharged during the confrontation, though investigators are still working to determine the precise number of shots fired by both the suspect and responding officers.
A bystander was also wounded during the incident. Officials have not yet confirmed whether the individual was struck by bullets fired by the suspect or by return fire from security agents. No Secret Service personnel were injured.
The gunfire triggered panic around the White House complex as journalists, staff members, and visitors on the North Lawn were hurriedly escorted into the White House briefing room and instructed to shelter in place while armed agents secured the area.
The White House was placed under temporary lockdown following the shooting, with security restrictions remaining in effect until approximately 6:46 p.m. when authorities declared the scene safe.
Officials confirmed that President Trump, who was inside the White House at the time of the incident, was not harmed.
Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Kash Patel, said FBI agents were assisting the Secret Service in the ongoing investigation.
The latest incident comes weeks after another shooting incident involving an armed individual near the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington.
However, authorities have yet to disclose a motive for the latest attack, while investigators continue to examine the suspect’s background and activities leading up to the shooting.
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