A gunman who opened fire near the United States White House has been reported dead after a deadly exchange with Secret Service officers on Saturday, May 23, local time. This fatal incident unfolded just steps away from the nation’s most iconic residence, prompting immediate security alerts across the capital.
The shooting occurred while then-US President Donald Trump was present inside the White House complex. Despite the proximity, the Secret Service promptly assured the public that President Trump was never in danger and remained unaffected by the unfolding events.
According to Secret Service Communications Chief Anthony Guglielmi, the dramatic confrontation began around 6:00 PM local time when the assailant brandished a weapon from a bag and started firing near the reinforced security perimeter of the White House.
“Secret Service uniformed division officers returned fire, striking the individual,” Guglielmi confirmed in a statement reported by AFP. The wounded gunman was subsequently transported to a hospital, where he was later pronounced dead, bringing a tense standoff to a tragic end.
Beyond the primary assailant, a civilian was also struck by gunfire during the intense exchange. However, specific details regarding the condition of this innocent bystander have not yet been released.
US media outlets have since identified the deceased suspect as Nasire Best, a 21-year-old resident of Maryland. Reports indicate Best had a documented history of mental health challenges and had previously interacted with the Secret Service on multiple occasions, raising questions about prior warnings.
Situation Briefly Tense
Immediately following the gunfire, security forces swiftly moved to seal off the entire area surrounding the incident in downtown Washington D.C. An AFP journalist on the scene observed National Guard troops maintaining a tight cordon, severely restricting access to the sensitive zone around the White House.
Reid Adrian, a Canadian tourist, vividly recounted hearing a barrage of shots, which he initially mistook for fireworks, before witnessing a panicked scramble. “We heard about 20 to 25 sounds like fireworks, but it turned out to be gunfire,” Adrian stated. Concurrently, journalists stationed on the White House’s North Lawn were urgently instructed to seek shelter in the press briefing room as the gunshots echoed through the capital.
Trump a Target of Assassination Attempts
This alarming incident marks another entry in a disturbing series of security threats directed at President Trump over recent years. AFP reports that this event brings the total to at least three alleged assassination attempts or serious security breaches targeting him.
The most recent prior attempt unfolded last April when an armed individual managed to breach a security checkpoint at a hotel where Trump was attending a media gala. Fortunately, the perpetrator was apprehended and secured before they could approach the former president.
Furthermore, in July 2024, Trump reportedly sustained an ear injury during a shooting incident at a campaign rally held in Butler, Pennsylvania. Tragically, a campaign participant lost their life in that same incident.
Just a few months following that event, another armed individual was arrested at a West Palm Beach golf course while President Trump was playing a round, underscoring the persistent security challenges surrounding his public appearances.
Summary
A gunman was killed by Secret Service officers near the White House on Saturday, May 23, after opening fire, though President Donald Trump, who was inside, remained safe. The assailant, identified as 21-year-old Nasire Best, had a history of mental health challenges and prior interactions with the Secret Service. One civilian was also struck by gunfire during the incident.
Following the gunfire, the area around the White House was immediately sealed off by security forces. This event marks another in a series of security threats against President Trump, including a prior breach at a hotel and a shooting at a campaign rally where a participant died.