A man was shot dead after opening fire at a security checkpoint close to the White House on Saturday evening, sparking panic around the area.
The US Secret Service said the incident happened shortly after 6pm local time when the suspect arrived at the checkpoint and suddenly pulled a gun from his bag before firing at officers on duty.
Agents immediately responded by returning fire, hitting the suspect identified by authorities as 21-year-old Nasire Best. He was taken to hospital but later died from his injuries.
During the exchange, a bystander was also critically wounded. Officials said investigations are ongoing to determine whether the victim was hit by bullets fired by the suspect or by officers responding to the attack.
The Secret Service confirmed none of its personnel sustained injuries, while President Donald Trump, who was inside the White House during the shooting, was reported safe and unharmed.
Trump later reacted on Truth Social, commending the Secret Service and other law enforcement officers for their quick response. He also described the suspect as someone with a “violent history.”
Reporters stationed at the White House said several gunshots rang out during the incident, forcing journalists to quickly seek shelter inside the press briefing room.
ABC News correspondent Selina Wang also posted a video on X capturing the tense moment she heard what she described as “dozens of gunshots” before taking cover.
