Image Credentials: Image Title: Shooting Near the White House Triggers Major Security Response in Washington. Source: (chatgpt.com) Date: May 2026. Attribution: This image was created using AI-generated imagery (chatgpt.com) by Open Chronicle and does not depict a real-world scene
By Open Chronicle with agencies
A shooting incident near the White House on Saturday evening triggered a major security response in the center of Washington, after a gunman opened fire close to a security checkpoint near the presidential complex. The confrontation ended with Secret Service agents fatally shooting the suspect, while a civilian passerby was also injured during the exchange.
According to US authorities, the incident unfolded shortly after 6:00 PM local time near the intersection of 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW, an area adjacent to the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, which forms part of the broader White House security perimeter.
Anthony Guglielmi, chief of communications for the US Secret Service, said the suspect approached a guarded checkpoint carrying a weapon concealed inside a bag before opening fire toward officers stationed nearby. Federal agents immediately responded, critically wounding the attacker during the exchange of gunfire.
The suspect was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. Authorities also confirmed that a bystander was injured during the shooting, though officials have not publicly disclosed the extent of the injuries.
US media later identified the suspect as 21-year-old Nasser Best, a Maryland resident. Preliminary reports indicated the man had a documented history of mental health issues and had previous encounters with federal security agencies, including the Secret Service.
The incident occurred while President Donald Trump was inside the White House, overseeing ongoing diplomatic discussions related to negotiations with Iran. Officials stressed that the president was never in immediate danger, noting that the Oval Office and residential sections of the White House are protected by extensive fortified security infrastructure, including reinforced barriers and bulletproof systems.
The shooting briefly plunged the area into chaos as dozens of journalists and international media crews were gathered near the White House to cover developments surrounding the anticipated US-Iran diplomatic talks. Witnesses reported hearing between 15 and 30 gunshots as security forces rapidly sealed off surrounding streets.
Federal authorities temporarily locked down sections of the presidential complex while heavily armed Secret Service teams, Washington Metropolitan Police officers, and National Guard units secured the area. The lockdown remained in effect for roughly an hour before authorities gradually reopened nearby streets.
The FBI and Secret Service have launched a full investigation into the motives behind the attack. Officials have not yet indicated whether the incident was politically motivated or connected to any organized threat.
The shooting has once again reignited debate in the United States surrounding presidential security, public safety near federal institutions, and the increasing challenges faced by law enforcement in protecting high-profile government sites amid rising political tensions.