Trump hails ‘swift’ Secret Service response after gunman killed near White House
WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump on Saturday, May 23, praised the Secret Service and other law enforcement agencies after an armed suspect was shot dead near the White House following an exchange of gunfire with officers at a security checkpoint. In a statement posted on social media, Trump thanked officers for what he described as their “swift and professional action.”
The incident unfolded shortly after 6 pm local time near 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW, close to the White House complex. The suspect approached a checkpoint carrying a bag, pulled out a firearm and opened fire toward officers before Secret Service personnel returned fire. Trump, who was inside the White House at the time, was not injured.
Trump praises agents, raises concerns over presidential security
Reacting to the incident, Trump commended the response by Secret Service agents and law enforcement officers involved in the shooting. “Thank you to our great Secret Service and Law Enforcement for the swift and professional action taken this evening against a gunman near the White House,” Trump wrote.
“The gunman is dead after an exchange of gunfire with Secret Service Agents near the White House gates,” he added.
Trump also referenced broader security concerns surrounding the presidency, saying the incident underscored the need for stronger protection measures around the White House and future presidents.
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth (L) stands as White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy Stephen Miller and his wife Katie Miller (C) are taken out of the ballroom by security agents during a shooting incident at the annual White House Correspondents Association Dinner at the Washington Hilton on April 25, 2026 in Washington, DC (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)“This event is one month removed from the White House Correspondent’ Dinner shooting, and goes to show how important it is, for all future Presidents, to get, what will be, the most safe and secure space of its kind ever built in Washington, DC The National Security of our Country demands it!” Trump stated.
We are grateful for our brave Secret Service agents who took quick, decisive action to protect President Trump, and our prayers are with the victims of tonight’s senseless shooting for a speedy recovery. Our law enforcement officers run into harm’s way each day to keep us safe…
— Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) May 24, 2026
Speaker Mike Johnson praised the Secret Service, writing on X, “we are grateful for our brave Secret Service agents who took quick, decisive action to protect President Trump, and our prayers are with the victims of tonight’s senseless shooting for a speedy recovery.”
Suspect identified in reports as investigation continues
The US Secret Service said officers responded after the suspect approached the checkpoint carrying a bag and then produced a firearm. Agents returned fire after shots were directed toward officers stationed near the White House perimeter.
The Secret Service said no officers were injured and confirmed that Trump remained unharmed inside the White House during the incident. Authorities identified the suspect as 21-year-old Nasire Best.
Law enforcement officials said Best had previous encounters with authorities and a documented history of mental health concerns. Court records show he was arrested in July after entering a restricted area near the White House, alleging he was Jesus Christ and demanding to be arrested. Trump described the suspect as someone with a “violent history” and a possible “obsession with our Country’s most cherished structure.”
The area surrounding the White House was temporarily locked down following the incident, with Secret Service agents directing reporters and staff inside secure areas as authorities responded to the scene.
