Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleAlex WoodwardMonday 25 May 2026 21:00 BSTWhite House reporter ducks for cover as gunman opens fire on Secret Service checkpointThe Department of Justice is pushing for the immediate construction of a $400 million White House ballroom project, citing a recent shooting near a security checkpoint as proof of its "critical need" for national security.A filing from the Justice Department details "top secret" features of the proposed ballroom, including a drone-proof roof, missile-resistant columns, blast-proof glass, bomb shelters and military installations.Government lawyers argue the ballroom is essential for the president to perform constitutional duties safely, protecting against threats and replacing "vulnerable tents" used for events.The project faces a lawsuit filed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation seeking to block construction, which the DOJ called a “great attack on our Country.”The recent incident involved 21-year-old Nasire Best, who was fatally shot by the Secret Service after opening fire near a White House checkpoint, injuring a bystander.In fullTrump officials rush to court to say Secret Service shooting is why the White House needs a ballroomThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in