On May 23, 2026, the U.S. Secret Service fatally shot a man who opened fire at a security checkpoint near the White House. The incident occurred around 6 p.m. when the suspect approached the checkpoint at 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW, drew a firearm from a bag, and fired at officers. The officers returned fire, striking the suspect, who was transported to a hospital where he later died. A bystander was also shot, but it is unclear who fired that round, and their condition has not been disclosed.
The suspect has been identified as 21-year-old Nasire Best, who had a history with local law enforcement and mental health issues. He had previously been arrested for unlawful entry near the White House and had been involuntarily committed for obstructing vehicle entry to the complex. The motive for the shooting remains unclear.
At the time of the incident, President Donald Trump was in the White House but was not injured. The lockdown of the White House grounds was lifted at 6:46 p.m. The FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are assisting the Secret Service in the ongoing investigation.