A gunman opened fire at a security checkpoint near the White House on May 23, 2026, prompting a swift response from Secret Service officers who shot him. The suspect, identified as 21-year-old Nasire Best, later died at a hospital.
Why it matters: This incident marks the third shooting event near President Donald Trump within a month, raising concerns about security around the White House.
Best approached the checkpoint at 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue shortly before 6 p.m. ET, pulled a gun from his bag, and began firing at officers.
Officers returned fire, hitting Best, who was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.
A bystander was also shot during the exchange of gunfire; their condition remains undisclosed.
Driving the news: The Secret Service confirmed the shooting and stated that no law enforcement personnel were injured in the incident. President Trump was present at the White House during the shooting.
The area was placed on lockdown, with reporters and staff ordered to shelter in place as the situation unfolded.
Trump had been working on finalizing a deal with Iran just before the incident occurred.
Witnesses reported hearing what sounded like dozens of gunshots, causing panic among those nearby.
State of play: Best was known to the Secret Service, having had previous encounters that included a mental health assessment and a 'stay-away order' issued against him.
In June 2025, he was involuntarily held for a psychiatric evaluation after obstructing a vehicle entrance to the White House complex.
In July 2025, he was arrested for unlawful entry after attempting to access a restricted area.
Authorities noted that Best had made alarming social media posts, including claims to be 'the real' Osama bin Laden and expressing a desire to harm Trump.
The big picture: This shooting incident follows closely on the heels of two other recent gunfire events near the president, raising alarms about security protocols.
On April 25, a man was arrested for attempting to assassinate Trump during the White House Correspondents' Association dinner.
Another incident occurred on May 4 near the Washington Monument, where a suspect fired shots at officers, resulting in a teenager being wounded.
Authorities are ramping up security measures in light of these repeated threats, with the FBI assisting in the investigation of the latest shooting.
What they're saying: Law enforcement officials have expressed concern over the frequency of such incidents targeting the president.
“We take these threats very seriously,” a law enforcement official commented, noting the need for heightened vigilance.
Witnesses described the chaos during the shooting, with one stating, “It was terrifying; we heard gunshots and just ran.”
Selina Wang, an ABC News correspondent, captured the moment on video, stating, “It sounded like dozens of gunshots.”
By the numbers: This incident is part of a troubling trend of threats against Trump.
In the past month alone, there have been three separate gunfire incidents near the president.
Best was the third individual to engage in gunfire near the White House in less than a month.
Trump has survived multiple assassination attempts since taking office, highlighting the persistent threats against him.
What's next: The investigation into the shooting is underway, with the FBI and Secret Service collaborating to determine the full circumstances.
Authorities will review Best's past interactions with the Secret Service to understand how he was able to approach the White House armed.
Security protocols around the White House are likely to be reassessed to prevent future incidents.
The public can expect updates as investigations proceed and more details emerge about the suspect's motivations.