Washington, D.C. was placed on high alert Saturday evening after a gunman opened fire near a U.S. Secret Service checkpoint outside the White House, triggering a rapid response from federal agents and a temporary lockdown of the presidential complex.

According to multiple reports, the incident happened near 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW when an armed suspect approached a security checkpoint and allegedly began firing at officers. Secret Service agents immediately returned fire, striking the suspect during the exchange.  

Authorities later confirmed the suspect died at a local hospital from injuries sustained during the shootout. A bystander was also injured, although investigators are still working to determine whether that person was struck by gunfire from the suspect or during the return fire from law enforcement. No Secret Service personnel were hurt.  

At the time of the shooting, President Donald Trump was reportedly inside the White House but was not harmed. Journalists gathered on the White House North Lawn described hearing a rapid series of gunshots before Secret Service agents rushed members of the press into secure areas.  

Several outlets identified the suspect as 21-year-old Nasire Best, a Maryland man who reportedly had previous encounters with the Secret Service and a documented history of mental health issues. Reports say he had previously been ordered to stay away from White House grounds after earlier incidents involving unauthorized attempts to access the area.  

The FBI and Secret Service are continuing to investigate the shooting and review how the suspect was able to approach such a heavily guarded area while armed. The incident also raises new concerns about presidential security following several recent threats and violent incidents connected to high-profile political events in Washington.  

Officials praised the fast response by Secret Service agents, saying their actions likely prevented a much larger tragedy. The White House lockdown was lifted later Saturday evening after authorities secured the scene and confirmed there was no ongoing threat.