Video shows terrifying moment reporter dives for cover as gunshots erupt near White House gate
WASHINGTON, DC: A terrifying video captured the moment a news correspondent had to dive for cover when dozens of gunshots rang out near the White House on Saturday, May 23.
The chaos forced journalists to run for safety while Secret Service agents shot and killed a 21-year-old gunman outside the facility’s gate.
BREAKING: About 30 shots fired outside the White House.
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) May 23, 2026
Secret Service reportedly rushed the press who were on the north lawn into the press briefing room.
ABC reporter Selina Wang was in the middle of filming when the shots rang out.pic.twitter.com/KvRZgbuXlm
Selina Wang dives for cover near White House shooting
Veteran reporter Selina Wang was filming a video on her iPhone from the 'Pebble Beach' media area when the shooting started. Known for staying calm, she panicked as the loud shots echoed through the area.
The gunfire broke out near the fence at 17th Street Northwest and Pennsylvania Avenue while security guards rushed to stop the threat. Wang later shared her terrifying experience on social media.
“I was in the middle of taping on my iPhone for a social video from the White House North Lawn when we heard the shots,” said Wang on X.
“It sounded like dozens of gunshots. We were told to sprint to the press briefing room where we are holding now.”
I was in the middle of taping on my iPhone for a social video from the White House North Lawn when we heard the shots. It sounded like dozens of gunshots. We were told to sprint to the press briefing room where we are holding now. pic.twitter.com/iqdQwh4soq
— Selina Wang (@selinawangtv) May 23, 2026
Secret Service shoots gunman near White House gate
Secret Service agents responded immediately to the danger outside the building, fatally shooting the suspect who approached the White House security checkpoint and opened fire.
It is worth noting that the gunman, identified as 21-year-old Nasire Best, was transported to George Washington University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
!!!! White House checkpoint shooting update: Suspect identified as Nasire Best, 21-year-old Black man from Maryland. He fired at officers near 17th St & Pennsylvania Ave today, was shot by Secret Service, and later died at the hospital. Bystander also killed. History of mental… pic.twitter.com/EVgYsiF3s7
— Trump's Army (@majuneauiii) May 24, 2026
The shooting happened just hundreds of feet from the White House shortly after 6 pm ET. Officials said the man arrived with a weapon and immediately started shooting at the guards.
“A preliminary investigation indicates that as the individual approached, he removed a weapon from his bag and began firing at posted officers,” according to the Secret Service statement. The incident is under investigation.
It is worth mentioning that no Secret Service personnel were injured, and President Donald Trump, who was in the residence, was unharmed. A White House official said he had been briefed on the incident by the Secret Service.
Second White House security scare rattles Washington
This weekend's shooting follows a major security scare involving President Donald Trump just weeks earlier.
On April 25, law enforcement disrupted a suspected attempt on President Trump’s life while he attended the annual White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner at a Washington hotel.
The suspect in that case, Cole Tomas Allen of Torrance, California, recently pleaded not guilty to attempted murder charges and remains in federal custody.
