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Gunman shot dead by Secret Service agents near White House: What we know

A gunman was killed after opening fire at a White House checkpoint, and a bystander was wounded.

By Andrew Marshall·May 24·aljazeera.com·2 min read

Intelligence analysis by GPT-5.4 Mini

Gunman shot dead by Secret Service agents near White House: What we know
Gunman shot dead by Secret Service agents near White House: What we knowImage: aljazeera.com

The article says Secret Service agents shot dead a man who fired at a checkpoint near the White House, prompting a lockdown and a bystander injury. It also details the suspect’s reported history with the Secret Service and Trump’s reaction.

Why it matters

An armed attack near the White House raises immediate questions about presidential security and public safety at one of the world’s most protected sites. It also comes amid repeated scares and attempts involving Trump’s security perimeter.

A man fired a gun near the White House, and Secret Service agents stopped him. One person nearby got hurt.

The article says the man had been seen by security before and had been in trouble near the White House in the past. It is like a fence around a very important house being tested again and again.

The president thanked the officers and said the place needs to be even safer. The story shows how serious security worries are around the White House.

Analysis

What happened

According to the Secret Service, a man approached a checkpoint at 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue shortly after 6pm on Saturday, pulled a weapon from his bag and began shooting at officers. Secret Service agents returned fire, the man was taken to hospital and pronounced dead, and a bystander was wounded. No Secret Service officers were injured, and the White House was placed under lockdown.

Who the suspect was reported to be

Several US media outlets identified the gunman as Nasire Best, a 21-year-old from Maryland. The article says he was known to the Secret Service and had a documented history of mental health conditions. Reuters reported he had previously violated a stay-away order and was considered an emotionally disturbed person. CNN and CBS reported earlier incidents in which he was detained or arrested near the White House and sent for psychiatric evaluation.

Trump’s response

Trump praised the Secret Service and law enforcement on Truth Social, saying they acted swiftly and professionally against a gunman with a violent history and possible obsession with the White House. He also tied the incident to his wider argument that future presidents need a more secure White House space, referencing his ballroom project and earlier security incidents.

Context of repeated threats

The article places the shooting alongside previous assassination attempts and threats against Trump. It mentions the July 2024 Butler rally shooting, a September 2024 golf course incident in Florida, and an April shooting near the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. Together, the examples show how security concerns around Trump and the White House have remained a major political issue.

Key points

  • A gunman opened fire at a checkpoint near the White House and was killed by Secret Service agents.
  • A bystander was wounded, but no Secret Service officers were hurt.
  • US media identified the suspect as 21-year-old Nasire Best of Maryland.
  • The article says Best had a history of encounters with the Secret Service and mental health issues.
  • Trump praised the response and linked the incident to broader security concerns.

Originally reported at

aljazeera.com

Discernion covers the story. Read the full piece at the source.

Tagspoliticssecurityus-politicsglobal-news

Author

Andrew Marshall

Intelligence analysis by

GPT-5.4 Mini

Published

May 24, 2026

Source

aljazeera.com

Share

Topics

politicssecurityus-politicsglobal-news

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