A gunman who opened fire near the White House on Saturday had already faced multiple encounters with the Secret Service in the past year, according to court records.
The suspect, identified as Nasire Best, allegedly fired several shots near a Secret Service checkpoint outside the White House. Officers quickly responded and shot the suspect during the incident. Authorities later confirmed that he died at a nearby hospital.
A bystander also suffered injuries during the shooting, while no Secret Service officers were harmed. Officials said former President Donald Trump was inside the White House at the time but remained safe.
Suspect Previously Tried To Access White House
Court documents reveal that Best had earlier encounters with security officials in 2025.
In June 2025, he reportedly blocked a White House entry lane and told Secret Service agents that he was Jesus Christ. During that incident, he also asked authorities to arrest him. Officers later sent him for a mental health evaluation.
Just one month later, in July 2025, Best again attempted to enter a federally restricted area near the White House. Secret Service agents arrested him and charged him with unlawfully entering a protected property.
Although the court released him after arraignment, he later failed to appear for a scheduled hearing in August 2025. That absence led the court to issue a no bond bench warrant for his arrest.
Shooting Happened Near Secret Service Checkpoint
Authorities said the shooting happened around 6:00 PM EST near the intersection of 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW, close to the Eisenhower Executive Office Building.
Witnesses and reporters covering events outside the White House quickly ran for safety after hearing gunshots.
Secret Service officers stationed at the checkpoint immediately returned fire after the suspect opened fire. Emergency teams rushed the suspect to the hospital, where doctors later pronounced him dead.
Officials confirmed that security operations at the White House continued without disruption despite the shooting.
Trump Praises Secret Service Response
Following the incident, Trump thanked law enforcement officers and Secret Service agents for their rapid response.
He praised their professionalism and said their quick action prevented further danger near the White House complex.
The shooting also raised fresh concerns about security around the White House, especially after another gun related incident interrupted the White House Correspondents’ Dinner just one month earlier.
