A suspect was killed in an exchange of gunfire with Secret Service agents on Saturday evening near the White House, officials confirmed. The incident occurred outside the White House at 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW, close to the Eisenhower Executive Office Building.

The US Secret Service stated that the suspect, identified by BBC's US media partner CBS as 21-year-old Nasire Best, pulled a gun from his bag and began firing shortly before 6:00 PM local time. Secret Service police returned fire, striking the suspect, who was later pronounced dead at a hospital. This event has prompted an ongoing investigation, with road closures around the White House expected to remain in place overnight.

Officials confirmed that between 10 and 20 gunshots were fired during the incident. The Secret Service also reported that one bystander was wounded by gunfire and transported to a hospital. No Secret Service officers were injured. Details regarding the condition of the wounded bystander have not yet been released.

Nasire Best was reportedly known to the Secret Service and had a documented history of mental health issues. A source told CBS that Best had been arrested in July 2025 after attempting to access the White House and was subsequently sent to a psychiatric facility. The White House has stated that President Donald Trump, who was in residence at the time, has been briefed on the shooting.

The shooting occurred one month after a separate incident where a gunman opened fire near the White House. Following the sounds of gunfire on Saturday, reporters working at the White House were instructed to take cover in a briefing room. Footage shared by ABC's Senior White House Correspondent Selina Wang captured the moment she and others sought shelter as shots were heard in the distance.

This incident raises immediate security concerns and highlights the persistent threat landscape surrounding high-profile government buildings. The Secret Service's swift response prevented further immediate harm to officers, but the wounding of a bystander underscores the unpredictable nature of such attacks.

The investigation is expected to focus on Best's motives, his recent history, and any potential connections to extremist groups or individuals. The involvement of mental health issues in past incidents involving public spaces has been a recurring theme, prompting ongoing debates about security protocols and mental healthcare access.

Further details are anticipated as the investigation progresses, including a more thorough review of security footage, witness testimonies, and the suspect's background. The Secret Service has committed to a comprehensive review of the event to identify any potential vulnerabilities or areas for improvement in their protective measures.