Full Breakdown
White House Shooting Spurs DOJ Request to Lift Ballroom Injunction
5/25/2026, 8:49:49 PM
Shooting Triggers DOJ Appeal
On May 23, 2026, 21-year-old Nasire Best of Dundalk, Maryland, opened fire at a Secret Service checkpoint on Pennsylvania Avenue near the White House. Agents returned fire, killing Best and wounding a bystander whose condition was unclear. In a May 25 filing, Justice Department asked Judge Richard Leon to lift March injunction blocking White House ballroom, citing shooting as proof of urgent security need.
Prior Attack
On April 25, a gunman attempted to storm the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner. The National Trust for Historic Preservation, a congressionally chartered nonprofit, sued to block the ballroom on historic-preservation grounds. Justice Department asked the court to dismiss the suit, arguing the project is essential for national-security protection.
Key Actors & Funding
President Donald Trump was in the White House during the May shooting. Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward authored the DOJ filing. The Secret Service engaged the shooter. National Trust is the plaintiff. Republican Senate leaders withdrew a $1 billion funding request after parliamentary objections; $220 million was earmarked for East Wing addition.
Official Statements
DOJ filing called May incident “an urgent need for top-level, state-of-the-art security at White House, including ballroom,” and listed features such as a heavy-steel, drone-proof roof and hermetically sealed interior. Secret Service confirmed agents killed attacker and wounded a bystander. National Trust said it will continue lawsuit. Senate leaders announced $1 billion request was dropped after intra-party opposition.
Criticism & Opposition
The National Trust argues the lawsuit protects historic preservation and challenges administration’s rapid construction schedule. Republican Senate leaders’ rejection of funding request reflects concerns about budget compliance and legislative support for project.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the bystander’s condition, with one noting no immediate clarification. The filing says the shooter died after transport to a hospital, while another source reports he was killed on site. Funding for ballroom remains unclear beyond $220 million estimate.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This is a terrible, tremendously harmful case to the United States of America, and all it stands for!” — Stanley Woodward, Associate Attorney General.
- “provide a 'SAFE HAVEN' from attackers such as the one last night, and on April 25th,” — DOJ filing.
- “top level, state of the art security at the White House, including the ballroom,” — Justice Department filing, May 25, 2026.
- “drone port and key location for rooftop snipers who will protect the White House and the entire Washington, D.C. area, as a whole.” — DOJ filing.
What's Next
Oral arguments on the injunction are set for June 5 before a three-judge D.C. Circuit. The panel has issued a temporary stay, allowing construction to continue while the appeal proceeds.
