WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a dramatic nightmarish scene Saturday, a 21-year-old man with a documented history of mental health issues fatally shot by Secret Service agents during a violent standoff outside the White House. The incident occurred just after 6:00 PM local time near the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on Pennsylvania Avenue, where Secret Service confirmed between 10 and 20 gunshots were fired in the exchange.
CBS News identified the suspect as Nasire Best, who had been detained by authorities in July 2025 after attempting to access the White House grounds. Best had been sent to a psychiatric facility following that incident, but according to sources, he remained a known individual to Secret Service personnel. Police statements indicate Best emerged from a vehicle and pulled a handgun from his bag before beginning to fire. Agents responded with return fire that fatally wounded him, with officials confirming he was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.
The Secret Service confirmed one bystander was also struck by gunfire and transported to a hospital, though no additional details about their condition were released. Critically, no Secret Service officers were injured during the confrontation. President Donald Trump was residing at the White House during the incident but has not yet issued any public statement. A White House official informed CBS that the President has been briefed about the event.
The tension escalated dramatically for journalists present on the White House grounds. ABC News correspondent Selina Wang recounted taking cover as gunfire echoed across the North Lawn, writing on X: 'We were told to sprint to the press briefing room where we are holding now.' CBS News producer Emma Nicholson described her crew ducking to the ground when the shots rang out before being evacuated to the interior of the White House.
The incident comes exactly one month after a gunman opened fire at the White House Correspondents' Dinner, further highlighting concerns about security around the presidential residence. Authorities have confirmed road closures will remain in place overnight as the investigation continues. While officials have identified Best as the perpetrator, they have not yet revealed the specific motivations behind the shooting. The Secret Service has requested community input on the case through their public portal, inviting citizens to share relevant information to aid the investigation.}
CBS News identified the suspect as Nasire Best, who had been detained by authorities in July 2025 after attempting to access the White House grounds. Best had been sent to a psychiatric facility following that incident, but according to sources, he remained a known individual to Secret Service personnel. Police statements indicate Best emerged from a vehicle and pulled a handgun from his bag before beginning to fire. Agents responded with return fire that fatally wounded him, with officials confirming he was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.
The Secret Service confirmed one bystander was also struck by gunfire and transported to a hospital, though no additional details about their condition were released. Critically, no Secret Service officers were injured during the confrontation. President Donald Trump was residing at the White House during the incident but has not yet issued any public statement. A White House official informed CBS that the President has been briefed about the event.
The tension escalated dramatically for journalists present on the White House grounds. ABC News correspondent Selina Wang recounted taking cover as gunfire echoed across the North Lawn, writing on X: 'We were told to sprint to the press briefing room where we are holding now.' CBS News producer Emma Nicholson described her crew ducking to the ground when the shots rang out before being evacuated to the interior of the White House.
The incident comes exactly one month after a gunman opened fire at the White House Correspondents' Dinner, further highlighting concerns about security around the presidential residence. Authorities have confirmed road closures will remain in place overnight as the investigation continues. While officials have identified Best as the perpetrator, they have not yet revealed the specific motivations behind the shooting. The Secret Service has requested community input on the case through their public portal, inviting citizens to share relevant information to aid the investigation.}
