White House Secured Following Reports Of Multiple Gunshots Outdoors
U.S. Secret Service agents scrambled to secure the White House after at least 20 gunshots were heard Saturday evening when a suspect was fatally shot after firing at a security booth outside the campus.
The gunfire took place at an intersection to the immediate west of the campus with the gunman and a civilian down, according to Fox News reporter Chad Pergram.
“Shortly after 6:00 p.m. Saturday, an individual approached a Secret Service checkpoint in the area of 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW,” Pergram posted, citing the Secret Service. “A preliminary investigation indicates that as the individual approached, he removed a weapon from his bag and began firing at posted officers. Secret Service police officers returned fire, striking the suspect, who was transported to an area hospital, where he later died.”
I was in the middle of taping on my iPhone for a social video from the White House North Lawn when we heard the shots. It sounded like dozens of gunshots. We were told to sprint to the press briefing room where we are holding now. pic.twitter.com/iqdQwh4soq
— Selina Wang (@selinawangtv) May 23, 2026
The suspect, later identified as Nasire Best, 21, had a history of mental health issues and violated a court order to stay away from the White House after previous encounters with the Secret Service, the New York Post reported. Best notably believed he was Jesus Christ, according to the outlet.
Reporters were rushed into the White House Press Briefing Room, NBC reporter Julie Tsirkin posted on X. ABC News reporter Selina Wang posted video showing her diving to the ground at the apparent sound of the gunshots, and said she’d been moved to the White House press briefing room by the Secret Service. (Read more from “White House Secured Following Reports Of Multiple Gunshots Outdoors” HERE)
