News Screen – A gunman died after being involved in a shootout with United States Secret Service agents near the White House, Saturday (23/5/2026) evening local time. The incident also resulted in a civilian being shot.
The incident occurred at around 18.00 local time in the security perimeter area of the White House, Washington DC. According to the official statement from the US Secret Service, the perpetrator took out a weapon from his bag before opening fire towards the security area.
Secret Service agents then responded with return fire until the perpetrator was neutralized. The gunman was rushed to hospital before being declared dead.
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Head of Communications for the US Secret Service, Anthony Guglielmi, said no Secret Service members were injured in the incident. However, a civilian was reportedly hit by gunfire during the shootout.
“Secret Service officers returned fire and hit the suspect. During the incident, a civilian was also hit by gunfire,” Guglielmi said in his statement.
United States President Donald Trump is said to have been in the White House when the incident took place. However, the White House confirmed that Trump was not affected by the incident.
Through his Truth Social account, Trump expressed his appreciation to the security forces for their quick response in handling the situation. “Thank you to the Secret Service and law enforcement officials for their swift and professional action,” Trump wrote.
A number of United States media identified the perpetrator as Nasire Best, 21, a resident of Maryland. The perpetrator is said to have a history of mental health problems and had had several previous interactions with the Secret Service.
After the incident, security forces immediately closed a number of access areas around the White House. Police and National Guard personnel were seen keeping tight guard at the scene. A tourist from Canada, Reid Adrian, said he heard a series of gunshots before the situation turned panicky.
“At first it sounded like fireworks, but it turned out to be gunfire. After that everyone started running,” he told AFP.
Journalists who were in the White House complex were also asked to immediately take cover in the press conference room when the sound of gunfire was heard.
This incident has again raised concerns about President Trump’s security after several alleged threats and attempted assaults that occurred in recent years.
In July 2024, Trump suffered a minor ear injury during a shooting at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Apart from that, security forces also thwarted an armed attempt at a golf course in West Palm Beach while Trump was at that location.
The US government is currently still conducting further investigations regarding the motive for the shooting near the White House.
National Guard members and Secret Service officers stand guard around the White House after a shooting incident by a gunman in Washington DC, United States, Saturday, May 23, 2026.***
