U.S. Secret Service agents shot and killed a gunman who opened fire near a White House security checkpoint on Saturday [1].
The incident underscores the persistent security threats facing the U.S. presidency and the volatility of the high-security zone surrounding the executive residence.
The shooting occurred around 6 p.m. local time on May 24, 2026 [2]. The gunman targeted a security checkpoint located near 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue on the west side of the White House [3].
Secret Service agents returned fire, killing the suspect at the scene [1]. During the exchange, a bystander was struck and critically injured [3]. President Donald Trump was inside the White House at the time of the attack [3].
Some reports identified the gunman as Nasire Best [1]. While officials have not fully disclosed a specific motive, they said the suspect had a history of violence and an obsession with the president [4].
This event follows a series of alleged assassination attempts against the president. The area around the White House remained under a heavy police presence following the lockdown to secure the perimeter [1].
“Secret Service agents shot and killed a gunman who opened fire near a White House security checkpoint.”
The incident highlights the ongoing challenge of securing the White House perimeter against individuals with ideological or personal obsessions. The fact that a bystander was critically injured suggests that the proximity of public spaces to security checkpoints creates significant risk during active shooter scenarios, regardless of the effectiveness of the Secret Service response.
