21-year-old Maryland man shot dead after opening fire at security checkpoint; bystander injured, President Trump unharmed

A tense security scare unfolded in Washington, D.C., on Saturday evening after a gunman opened fire near a Secret Service checkpoint close to the White House, triggering an immediate lockdown of the presidential complex.

Authorities identified the suspect as 21-year-old Nasire Best of Maryland. According to officials, he approached a secured checkpoint at 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue before suddenly producing a firearm and firing at officers. Secret Service agents responded swiftly, returning fire and fatally wounding the attacker.

Best was pronounced dead while being transported to George Washington Medical Center. One civilian was injured in the incident, but no Secret Service personnel were harmed.

The White House was briefly placed under lockdown as security teams moved quickly to secure the area. Staff members and journalists were evacuated as a precaution. President Donald Trump, who was inside the building at the time, was not injured.

Investigators say the suspect was previously known to authorities and had been warned to stay away from restricted zones around the White House following earlier encounters. Officials also noted a history of mental health-related concerns.

The FBI, alongside other federal agencies, has launched a full investigation to determine the motive behind the attack.