Gun suspect killed after opening fire at White House security checkpoint

The suspect in a shooting near the White House has died after being shot by police officers, according to the US Secret Service (USSS).

The USSS said a man approached a White House security checkpoint shortly after 6pm local time (11pm UK time), pulled a weapon from his bag and began firing at officers.

"Secret Service Police returned fire striking the suspect who was transported to an area hospital where he was pronounced deceased," said Anthony Guglielmi, USSS chief of communications.

"During the shooting, one bystander was also struck by gunfire," he added.

The USSS told Sky News' US partner network NBC News it remained unclear whether the bystander was struck by the suspect's initial gunfire or during the subsequent exchange of gunfire.

It said the officers involved were not harmed and that the incident was still under investigation.

Six senior law enforcement officials briefed on the matter identified the suspect as Nasire Best to NBC News.

He had a documented history with local law enforcement and five senior law officials said he had a history of mental health concerns.

President Donald Trump who was inside the White House at the time, posted on Truth Social to thank the officers involved for their "swift and professional action" against the gunman, who he said "had a violent history and possible obsession with our Country's most cherished structure".

The update came after NBC News said its White House team of reporters heard between 20 and 30 gunshots while they were gathered on the north lawn at approximately 6.04pm local time.

ABC News senior White House correspondent Selina Wang shared a video on X which showed her taking cover as she heard what appeared to be the gunshots nearby.

Wang and other reporters near the scene were rushed inside the White House's press briefing room by Secret Service agents as the building was put on lockdown, before the restrictions were lifted around 40 minutes later.

Crime scene tape has been laid across the pavement where the gunfire occurred and officers with the USSS have placed dozens of orange evidence markers on the ground.

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Medical material, including what appears to be purple surgical gloves and kits typically used by emergency medical personnel, has also been seen.

President Trump was originally scheduled to spend the weekend at his New Jersey golf club, but changed his plans on Friday to stay at the White House instead.

There have been three attempts on Mr Trump's life in two years - in Butler, Pennsylvania, his golf course in Florida, and at the Washington Hilton.

Sky's US correspondent David Blevins said: "Law enforcement is on high alert in the city, but the fact that the White House has gone back into lockdown over another shooting incident will raise fresh questions about the president's security."

(c) Sky News 2026: Gun suspect killed after opening fire at White House security checkpoint