Tension gripped Washington on Saturday evening after a gunman opened fire close to the White House, triggering a shoot-out with United States Secret Service agents that left the suspect dead and a bystander injured.
The incident happened shortly after 6pm near the White House security perimeter when the suspect allegedly pulled a firearm from a bag and began shooting, according to the Secret Service.
President Donald Trump was inside the White House at the time, where he was reportedly engaged in discussions related to ongoing negotiations with Iran, but officials confirmed he was not harmed during the attack.
In a statement, Secret Service communications chief Anthony Guglielmi said officers immediately returned fire after the suspect opened fire.
“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,” Guglielmi said.
Authorities did not disclose the condition of the injured bystander, while confirming that no Secret Service personnel were hurt during the exchange.
Several American media organisations identified the suspect as 21-year-old Nasire Best from Maryland. Reports said he allegedly had a history of mental health concerns and previous encounters with Secret Service officers.
Security operatives, police officers and National Guard troops quickly flooded the area, shutting down nearby streets around downtown Washington as panic spread among residents, tourists and journalists at the scene.
Canadian tourist Reid Adrian, who witnessed the chaos, said, “We heard probably 20 to 25 what sounded like fireworks, but they’re gunshots, and then everyone started running.”
Journalists gathered on the White House North Lawn were reportedly instructed to immediately run for safety and take shelter inside the press briefing room.
ABC News correspondent Selina Wang, who was recording a social media video when the gunfire erupted, captured the sound of the shots before diving for cover.
“It sounded like dozens of gunshots,” she wrote on X.
Reacting to the attack early Sunday, Trump praised security personnel for their swift response.
“Thank you to our great Secret Service and Law Enforcement for the swift and professional action taken this evening against a gunman near the White House, who had a violent history and possible obsession with our Country’s most cherished structure,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
Saturday’s shooting adds to a growing list of security scares involving the American president. Trump, 79, has faced three alleged assassination attempts in recent years.
The latest before Saturday occurred on April 25 when an armed man reportedly forced his way through a security checkpoint at a hotel hosting a media gala attended by Trump. The suspect was stopped before reaching the president or guests.
In July 2024, Trump was also targeted during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where a gunman killed a spectator and grazed the then-presidential candidate’s ear.
Months later, another armed suspect was arrested at a golf course in West Palm Beach while Trump was playing.
Following Saturday’s incident, House Republicans posted on X, saying, “Thank God President Trump is safe. Endless gratitude to the Secret Service for their immediate, heroic response. Political violence has to stop.”