Suspect killed, bystander injured in shooting near White House

The U.S. Secret Service fatally shot a man near the White House on Saturday after he approached a security checkpoint and opened fire on officers, according to U.S. media, reported Xinhua.

The gunshots prompted a lockdown at the White House. A bystander was struck by gunfire and was reportedly in critical condition.

The suspect, who later died in a hospital, was described by U.S. media reports as an "emotionally disturbed person."

The incident occurred near the intersection of Pennsylvania Avenue and 17th Street Northwest, just outside the White House complex.

News agency ANI adds: The deceased suspect involved in the shooting outside the White House has been identified as 21-year-old Nasire Best, citing a person familiar with the investigation, as reported by CBS News.

The CBS news reported that Best had been living in Washington DC, for approximately 18 months before the incident.

The news report further stated that Best had a previous encounter with the United States Secret Service in July 2025, when he allegedly attempted to gain entry to the White House. He was arrested near the complex by Secret Service personnel, according to the source cited by CBS.

Following that incident, Best was reportedly sent to a psychiatric ward for mental health-related issues, CBS News said.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect approached the checkpoint, pulled a weapon out of his bag and began firing on officers.

A bystander was also struck by gunfire, but it was unclear whether the bystander was hit by gunfire from the suspect or the officers. The bystander's condition was not immediately provided.

The US Secret Service in its statement said, "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."

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