White House Shooting: Key Facts as US Capital in Shock
The White House in the United States was suddenly shaken after a man identified as Nasire Best fired shots near the premises. The 21-year-old had previously been detained by the US Secret Service in July 2025.
At that time, Best attempted to enter the White House. Following the incident, he was sent to a psychiatric ward for mental health treatment.
According to detikNews, Best was shot dead at the White House area after firing shots on Saturday (23 May) local time. US President Donald Trump was reportedly present at the White House during the incident but was unharmed.
Anthony Guglielmi, Chief of Communications for the US Secret Service, stated the event occurred shortly after 18:00 local time. A man near the White House security perimeter drew a weapon from his bag and began shooting.
“Secret Service officers returned fire, striking the suspect who was then taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. A civilian was also injured during the shooting,” Guglielmi said.
One Civilian Injured
The suspect initially fired at Secret Service officers outside the White House on Saturday evening local time. Officers then returned fire, hitting the suspect.
The suspect was in critical condition when transported to hospital before succumbing to his injuries. The Secret Service confirmed one civilian was shot during the exchange.
After the armed man fired at agents at a security checkpoint near the White House, Secret Service officers returned fire, striking the suspect who was taken to a local hospital before being declared dead.
Police and security forces quickly secured the scene. Officers temporarily closed access, with National Guard units preventing reporters from entering the downtown Washington area.
“We heard around 20 to 25 firework-like sounds, but they were gunshots, and then everyone started running,” Canadian tourist Reid Adrian told AFP.
Sources said between 15 and 30 shots were fired during the incident. Several Secret Service officers were assessed at the scene but none were admitted to hospital.
The shooting occurred near the intersection of Pennsylvania Avenue and 17th Street Northwest. Law enforcement officials stated that uniformed Secret Service officers responded to reports of a person firing a weapon during the incident.