WASHINGTON, D.C. — Nasire Best, 21, was killed after opening fire near a Secret Service checkpoint close to the White House on May 23, 2026, according to reports of the incident. A bystander was also shot and seriously injured, prompting an emergency response and a brief lockdown in the surrounding area.

The incident occurred near 17th Street NW and Pennsylvania Avenue NW. President Donald Trump was at the White House at the time and was reported unharmed. No Secret Service officers were reported injured.

What Happened Near the White House?

According to reports, the shooting occurred at a security checkpoint near the White House complex. Secret Service personnel confronted Best after he allegedly opened fire. He was shot and later died.

A bystander was struck by gunfire during the incident. The available reports did not conclusively establish whether the bystander was hit by a shot fired by Best or by law enforcement.

Authorities responded to the scene, and security measures were temporarily heightened while officials assessed the situation.

Who Was Nasire Best?

Best, 21, was identified in reports as being from Dundalk, Maryland. Authorities were investigating the circumstances leading up to the shooting, including his actions near the checkpoint.

Reports also described previous encounters involving Best and the Secret Service. Details about those encounters should be understood in the context of the official records and reporting available at the time.

Bystander Seriously Injured

The bystander injured during the shooting was later identified in reporting as Benjamin Del Real, a 25-year-old active-duty Army soldier. He sustained serious injuries and underwent surgery, with further treatment and rehabilitation reported afterward.

The circumstances of his injury, including the source of the bullet that struck him, were not conclusively established in the initial reports.

White House Security Response

The shooting prompted a temporary lockdown and a response from law enforcement near the White House. Security personnel secured the area while authorities investigated the incident.

The event raised questions about the circumstances surrounding the checkpoint confrontation. Any conclusions about the sequence of gunfire or the actions of those involved should be based on findings released by investigators.

Investigation and Official Updates

Authorities were expected to examine the shooting and the events leading up to it. The incident should not be confused with a current White House lockdown: the reported shooting took place on May 23, 2026.

For confirmed developments, readers should consult statements from the U.S. Secret Service and established news organizations.

Conclusion

The May 23, 2026, shooting near a Secret Service checkpoint resulted in the death of Nasire Best and serious injuries to bystander Benjamin Del Real. President Trump was reported unharmed, and no Secret Service officers were reported injured.

The precise circumstances of the bystander’s injury and the full sequence of events should be described only in line with verified investigative findings.

Disclaimer: Information here is for general information purposes only. Details reflect published reporting about the May 23, 2026, incident and should be checked against official statements for subsequent findings.