A gunman opened fire near the White House on Saturday evening, and US Secret Service agents killed the assailant in a shoot-out. A bystander was also struck during the exchange.

President Donald Trump was inside the White House at the time but was unharmed, Secret Service communications chief Anthony Guglielmi confirmed.

What happened in the White House shooting on Saturday?

A man near the White House security perimeter pulled a weapon from his bag and began firing just after 6:00 pm local time (2200 GMT). Secret Service officers returned fire, striking the suspect.

He was transported to a hospital where he was pronounced dead. One bystander was also hit, though their condition was not immediately disclosed.

Who was the gunman killed near the White House?

Multiple US media outlets identified the suspect as Nasire Best, 21, of Maryland. Reports indicated Best had a history of mental health concerns and had prior interactions with Secret Service personnel. No Secret Service officers were injured in the incident.

Police and security forces quickly swarmed the scene, cordoning off the surrounding area. National Guard troops blocked reporters from entering the downtown Washington location. Journalists on the White House North Lawn were ordered to run and shelter inside the press briefing room.

Witnesses described hearing a rapid succession of shots before crowds began fleeing. Canadian tourist Reid Adrian told AFP he heard “20 to 25 what sounded like fireworks, but they’re gunshots, and then everyone started running.” ABC News correspondent Selina Wang captured the sounds on video while recording for social media, diving to the ground as shots rang out.

Has Trump faced other assassination attempts?

Saturday’s shooting near the White House is the latest in a series of security incidents involving Trump. The most recent prior attempt came on April 25, when an armed man stormed a security checkpoint at a hotel where Trump was attending a media gala. That man never reached Trump or other guests.

In July 2024, a gunman opened fire at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, killing one audience member and lightly wounding Trump in the ear.

Months later, another armed man was arrested at a West Palm Beach golf course where Trump was playing. Trump, 79, has cited security concerns as a driving reason for constructing a new ballroom at the White House, tearing down the East Wing after returning to office last year.

House Republicans reacted to Saturday’s incident on X, writing: “Thank God President Trump is safe. Endless gratitude to the Secret Service for their immediate, heroic response. Political violence has to stop.”

What is the new White House construction project?

The $400 million construction project currently underway will feature a ballroom Trump has described as “drone-proof,” along with six floors below ground. Plans include an underground military hospital.

Trump announced the East Wing teardown after taking office again last year, with the project reflecting his stated priority of hardening the White House against security threats.