Gunman killed after opening fire on Secret Service checkpoint outside White House, officials say

Gunman Killed After Opening Fire on Secret Service Checkpoint Outside White House

Gunman killed after opening fire on Secret - On the early hours of Sunday morning, President Trump shared an update on Truth Social regarding the incident, expressing gratitude for the "swift and professional action" taken by the Secret Service. He emphasized that the event underscored the critical need for enhanced security measures, stating that it highlighted the importance of ensuring the safest and most secure environment possible for future presidents in Washington, D.C.

Shooting Near Starbucks on Pennsylvania Avenue

The attack occurred near a Starbucks on Pennsylvania Avenue NW, according to law enforcement sources. A 21-year-old man, identified as Nasire Best, approached a Secret Service checkpoint and pulled a revolver from his bag before firing multiple shots at the officers. The Secret Service Uniformed Division responded rapidly, engaging the suspect with gunfire and neutralizing the threat. Best was transported to George Washington University Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

"The suspect had a history of aggression and seemed fixated on the White House," a law enforcement official noted, adding that the incident took place just one month after a gunman attempted to breach the security perimeter during the White House Correspondents' Dinner.

Best had been residing in the nation's capital for about 18 months prior to the shooting. His past interactions with the Secret Service included an arrest in July 2025, when he tried to enter the White House and was detained near the grounds. At that time, he was sent to a psychiatric ward for evaluation due to reported mental health concerns. Law enforcement sources confirmed that Best had prior ties to both the Metropolitan Police Department and the Secret Service, suggesting he was familiar with the security protocols in place.

Response and Casualties

During the shooting, Secret Service agents returned fire, striking the suspect and incapacitating him. A bystander was also reportedly injured, though it remains unclear whether the wound resulted from gunfire fired by the suspect or the officers. The White House official stated that no Secret Service personnel were harmed in the incident.

President Trump was present at the White House during the attack but was not directly affected, as confirmed by a Secret Service spokesperson. The president and his team had been working diligently over the weekend to negotiate a peace deal aimed at concluding the war with Iran, a priority that remained unaffected by the incident.

Political Reactions and Security Importance

Senate Majority Leader John Thune and House Speaker Mike Johnson issued statements praising the Secret Service for their prompt response. Thune highlighted the agency's "decisive actions" in safeguarding the president and others at the White House, while Johnson tweeted, "We are grateful for our brave Secret Service agents who took quick, decisive action to protect President Trump, and our prayers are with the victims of tonight's senseless shooting for a speedy recovery."

CBS News White House associate producer Emma Nicholson provided a firsthand account of the event. She described how her crew was recording for "CBS Weekend News" when they heard the sound of gunfire near the White House. "We ducked to the ground immediately," she said, adding that they were then guided into the White House shortly after the attack.

The shooting near the Starbucks location has reignited discussions about the vulnerabilities of even the most fortified presidential security. While the Secret Service confirmed the White House's safety during the incident, the event serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by security teams in balancing vigilance with the everyday flow of activity around the nation's capital.

Investigation and Timeline

According to preliminary reports, the suspect fired between 10 and 20 rounds at the checkpoint before being struck by return fire. The exact sequence of events is under review, but the timeline indicates that the incident unfolded in the early evening of Saturday, with the suspect targeting the security booth where agents were stationed. The sources noted that the suspect's familiarity with the area likely contributed to the speed and precision of the attack.

The deceased suspect, whose name has not yet been officially released, had a documented history of conflict with the Secret Service. This incident follows a pattern of escalating threats against the White House, including the earlier attack at the Correspondents' Dinner. Law enforcement officials are examining whether Best's mental health issues played a role in his decision to open fire, as he had been admitted to a psychiatric facility for evaluation in July 2025.

As the investigation continues, authorities are working to piece together the suspect's motivations and potential connections to the broader security landscape. The shooting has prompted a renewed focus on the need for constant readiness and the integration of mental health screenings into routine security checks. Despite the immediate danger, the White House remains operational, with President Trump maintaining a visible presence amid the ongoing peace talks with Iran.

While the Secret Service has not yet disclosed the specific circumstances of the suspect's engagement, the incident has been described as a critical test of the agency's response capabilities. The combination of a quick reaction from the officers and the suspect's location near a public area exemplifies the delicate balance between protecting the president and managing the public's safety during such events.

As the nation processes the details of the attack, the White House continues to emphasize the importance of robust security measures. The president's team remains committed to their efforts to stabilize the situation with Iran, a task that has taken on added urgency following the recent incident. The shooting near the Starbucks has become a focal point in the ongoing narrative of presidential protection, underscoring the risks inherent in maintaining the highest level of security in a bustling urban environment.