In a serious security incident near the White House, Secret Service officers fatally shot a person who fired at them at a security checkpoint. The incident occurred shortly before 6 p.m. ET on Saturday, as the individual approached the checkpoint and began shooting, according to a Secret Service spokesperson.
Incident Details
The suspect, identified as 21-year-old Nasire Best, was hit by return fire from the officers and later died at a hospital. A bystander was also critically injured during the exchange, though it remains unclear whose gunfire caused the injury. Fortunately, no Secret Service personnel were harmed, and President Donald Trump, who was in the residence at the time, was briefed on the situation.
Authorities recovered a 9 mm pistol believed to have been used by Best. The incident follows a series of previous encounters Best had with the Secret Service, including an incident in June 2025 where he blocked an entry lane at the White House and was detained for mental evaluation. In July 2025, he was arrested again for attempting to enter the White House grounds, leading to a court order to stay away from the area.
Response and Security Measures
The sound of gunfire led to a brief lockdown for the press on the White House grounds, with journalists and staff being directed to shelter in place. Secret Service agents, armed and on high alert, secured the area swiftly. The lockdown was lifted after approximately 40 minutes.
President Trump expressed gratitude to the Secret Service and law enforcement for their prompt response, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a secure environment for the nation’s leaders. The incident underscores ongoing security challenges faced by those tasked with protecting the White House and its occupants.
The FBI and other law enforcement agencies are supporting the Secret Service in the investigation. The situation has raised discussions about the need for enhanced security measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.
