Tuesday, May 26, 2026- Authorities say 21-year-old Nasire Best, the gunman killed by Secret Service agents near the White House, had previously been arrested for trespassing after attempting to enter restricted areas around the presidential complex in 2025.
Investigators say Best was already known to federal security agencies because of earlier incidents involving erratic behavior, including claims that he was Jesus Christ and repeated attempts to approach White House grounds despite stay-away orders.
The latest shooting unfolded Saturday evening near 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW when Best allegedly pulled a handgun from a bag and opened fire toward officers guarding a security checkpoint. Secret Service agents immediately returned fire, fatally wounding him during the exchange.
A bystander was also seriously injured, though investigators have not yet confirmed whether the civilian was struck by bullets fired by the suspect or by return fire from officers. President Donald Trump was inside the White House during the incident but was not harmed.
Court records reviewed by media outlets show Best had failed to appear for a previous court hearing tied to the 2025 unlawful entry case, leading to a bench warrant being issued before the shooting. Friends and relatives described him as increasingly isolated in recent years, with reports of mental health struggles and involuntary psychiatric treatment.
Federal investigators, including the FBI and Secret Service, are continuing to examine his background, online activity, and possible motive as security concerns around the White House intensify following multiple violent incidents near federal sites in recent months.
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