A suspected shooter fired approximately 30 rounds near the White House in Washington, DC, USA. The incident occurred between 3:30 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. Indian time on Saturday night. US President Trump was inside the White House at the time of the incident.
According to reports, the suspected attacker opened fire at a security checkpoint near the White House where US Secret Service officers were stationed.
The attacker was shot in retaliatory fire by the officers. He died at the hospital. The man has been identified as 21-year-old Nasir Best, a resident of Maryland, USA.
Reporters outside the White House fled inside right as shots were fired. pic.twitter.com/TaaEuKJ4rT
— Kim "Katie" USA (@KimKatieUSA) May 23, 2026A civilian was also injured in the exchange of fire. Officials say it’s not yet clear whether he was struck by the attacker’s bullet or sustained injuries in retaliatory fire. The injured man is reported to be in critical condition.
A death threat was also received to President Trump’s daughter just days before this incident. An Iraqi man was arrested in connection with the case. He was linked to the Iranian military. The suspect was also found with blueprints of Ivanka and her husband Jared Kushner’s Florida home.
Report: The attacker believed he was Jesus
According to media reports, Nasir Best was mentally disturbed and had been seen around the White House several times before. He had a court order prohibiting him from approaching the White House, but he disobeyed this order.
According to reports, on June 26, 2025, he blocked the path of vehicles on the road. Following this, he was sent to a mental health center for treatment. Nearly two weeks later, on July 10, 2025, he was caught trying to enter the restricted area of the White House.
Lockdown-like situation in the area for 40 minutes
The shooting caused panic within the White House complex. Journalists and staff present there were immediately evacuated to safe locations. Secret Service agents deployed throughout the area with their weapons drawn, and a lockdown-like situation prevailed for approximately 40 minutes.
The FBI, Secret Service, and other security agencies cordoned off the area and began an investigation. The North Lawn of the White House complex has been evacuated. FBI Director Kash Patel said in a social media post that security agencies are responding to reports of gunfire.
Trump praised Secret Service
President Trump praised the Secret Service and law enforcement agencies following the shooting. He said the security agencies responded swiftly and professionally, immediately stopping the attacker.
He said this incident, which occurred just a month after the White House Correspondents’ Dinner shooting, demonstrates the need for a more robust system to protect future presidents.
Trump said that America’s national security demands that the most secure security zone ever be created in Washington DC.
Read more: Russia launches a major attack on Ukraine
