White House Security Scare: What happened near Secret Service checkpoint?

White House Shooting Incident: A shooting incident took place near the White House on Sunday, May 24 (IST). According to the official statement released by the United States Secret Service, the suspect opened fire on a US Secret Service checkpoint on Saturday night (local time). He was shot and later died in hospital. While the officers were not injured.

It should be noted that the President was present in the White House during the incident.

What actually happened?

A 21-year-old was involved in the shooting near the White House just after 6 pm yesterday (US Time). The suspect opened fire at a US Secret Service checkpoint in the area of 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue on Saturday night (local time). He approached the checkpoint, pulled a weapon from his bag, and began firing at officers.

"Shortly after 6 p.m Saturday, an individual in the area of 17th street and Pennsylvania Avenue pulled a weapon from his bag and began firing," the US Secret Service in its statement said.

As a result, Secret Service officers returned fire, and the suspect was shot, preliminary investigation revealed. He was taken to a hospital, where he died. His name has not yet been released.

"Secret Service Police returned fire, striking the suspect who was transported to an area hospital where he was pronounced deceased," it added.

Who is the 21-year-old deceased?

The suspect killed in the shooting outside the White House has been identified as 21-year-old Nasir Best, ANI reported, citing foreign media. The deceased had been living in Washington DC, for approximately 18 months prior to the incident.

According to reports, Best had a previous encounter with the US Secret Service in July 2025 when he allegedly tried to enter the White House. He was arrested by Secret Service personnel near the complex. Following that incident, Best was sent to a psychiatric ward for mental health issues.

Bystander also struck by gunfire

During the incident, a bystander was also struck by gunfire, but it was unclear whether he was hit by the suspect or by police officers, it added. No information was immediately provided on the bystander's condition.

The US Secret Service said the investigation is ongoing and additional information regarding the incident will be released as it becomes available.

"During the shooting, one bystander was also struck by gunfire. No injuries were sustained by officers. The President was in the White House during the incident, however no protectees or operations were impacted. This incident remains under investigation and additional information will be released as it becomes available," it read.

US officials react

US Speaker Mike Johnson lauded the work by the Secret Service. Assistant to the President, Steven Cheung, said that US President Donald Trump was working when the incident happened and is still working.

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