The vicinity of the US presidential compound in Washington, D.C., turned into an armed confrontation arena that sparked a state of panic and security alert, after a young man with a record of unrest and hostilities opened fire near the White House, in an incident that ended in his death and the injury of a passerby, while President Donald Trump was inside the Oval Office.
Details of the armed attack
According to an official statement issued by the US Secret Service, the incident began at 6 p.m. local time, when a young man approached a security checkpoint at the intersection of 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue.
Suddenly, the young man took a firearm from his bag and started firing directly at the security officers, who immediately responded by neutralizing and eliminating him, while a bystander was injured during the heavy exchange of fire.
Cameras captured footage of ABC News reporter Selena Wang lying to the ground during a live broadcast from North Lawn, while dozens of journalists and bystanders rushed to take shelter inside the presidential compound's briefing room.
Who is the attacker? "Nasser Best" and the record of security obsession
Security sources revealed to CNN that the attacker, named Nasser Best, 21, has a history of unrest and threats related to the White House:
June 2025: He was arrested for the first time after causing a White House entrance to be blocked, claiming to be "the Lord," and underwent a psychological evaluation.
Second attempt: He was arrested again weeks later after trying to approach the compound, and a judicial decision was issued against him preventing him from approaching the area altogether.
Digital Activity: Investigations have shown that he has social media accounts through which he posted threats against President Trump, and insane allegations in which he claims to be the late al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden.
Official reactions: "Dangerous times"
U.S. President Donald Trump commented on the incident, noting that the attacker has a "history of violence and obsession with the White House," noting that repeated security breaches — most recently the Correspondents' Association dinner incident last April — warrant a comprehensive review to strengthen the protection of presidents.
For his part, Homeland Security Secretary Marqueen Molin confirmed that he was following the investigations directly, praising the readiness of security personnel, while Republican Majority Leader Steve Scalise described the current phase as a "dangerous time" that requires caution and the development of the capital's defense system.