Background on the Suspect
The individual who discharged a firearm outside the White House, injuring a bystander before being fatally shot by the Secret Service, had a documented history of interactions with authorities at the presidential residence, according to court documents.
Nasire Best, whose identity was confirmed by police to the BBC, had previously obstructed an entry lane to the White House in June 2025 and claimed to Secret Service agents that he was Jesus Christ.
Following that incident, Best was subjected to a mental health evaluation.
Details of the Shooting Incident
Best is accused of firing shots outside the president's residence shortly after 18:00 EST (23:00 GMT) on Saturday. Reporters present outside the White House at the time took cover inside as the shooting unfolded. US President Donald Trump was inside the White House during the event and was unharmed.
Prior Encounters with Secret Service
Court documents reveal that during the June 2025 incident, Best, a resident of Dundalk, Maryland, told Secret Service agents that he wished to be arrested.
Despite undergoing a mental evaluation, Best attempted to access the White House again in July 2025.
Following this second attempt, Secret Service agents arrested Best and charged him with unlawfully entering a federally controlled property, as per court records.
After being arraigned on the unlawful entry charge, Best was released. However, in August 2025, he failed to appear for a scheduled status hearing. This absence resulted in a no-bond bench warrant being issued, authorizing law enforcement to arrest him.
The Fatal Shooting and Aftermath
On Saturday, less than a year after his previous encounters, Best reappeared outside the White House and began firing at a Secret Service checkpoint located at the intersection of 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW, near the Eisenhower Executive Office Building.
Secret Service officers stationed at the corner returned fire, striking Best. He was transported to a hospital where he was pronounced dead.
A bystander was also shot and sustained serious injuries but was reported to be in stable condition as of Sunday. The circumstances under which the bystander was shot remain unclear. No Secret Service officers were injured during the incident.
President Trump was present at the White House during the shooting. Officials confirmed that no "protectees" or ongoing operations were affected by the event.
Official Responses and Context
"Thank you to our great Secret Service and Law Enforcement for the swift and professional action taken this evening against a gunman near the White House," Trump wrote on social media.
This shooting occurred approximately one month after a gunman opened fire at the White House Correspondents' Dinner, which led to an abrupt end to the event. During that incident, President Trump was escorted out by the Secret Service as hundreds of attendees were evacuated.
