Gunman killed by Secret Service near White House; bystander wounded
A 21-year-old gunman, identified as Nasire Best, was fatally shot by U.S. Secret Service agents after opening fire on a checkpoint near the White House. The incident occurred on Saturday evening, prompting a temporary lockdown of the White House. A bystander was also injured during the exchange of gunfire. This marks the third such incident near the President in the past month. Investigations reveal Best had a history of mental health issues and prior run-ins with the Secret Service, including an attempt to breach White House security in July 2025.
Key Highlights
- Gunman fatally shot by Secret Service after firing at checkpoint.
- Suspect identified as 21-year-old Nasire Best with history of mental health issues.
- Bystander wounded in the exchange of gunfire near the White House.
- Third shooting incident near the President in the past month.
- Best had prior run-ins with Secret Service, including a 2025 breach attempt.
On Saturday evening, May 23, 2026, a 21-year-old man, identified as Nasire Best, opened fire on a U.S. Secret Service checkpoint near the White House. Secret Service officers returned fire, fatally wounding Best, who was transported to a hospital and later pronounced dead. The incident occurred at approximately 6 p.m. EDT at the intersection of 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW, close to the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. The White House was briefly placed on lockdown as a result of the shooting. A bystander was also wounded during the exchange of gunfire, though it remains unclear if the bystander was hit by the suspect's initial shots or the return fire from the officers. Fortunately, no Secret Service agents were injured during the incident. President Donald Trump was at the White House at the time but was not affected. **Background of the Suspect:** Investigations have revealed that Nasire Best had a history of mental health issues and previous encounters with the Secret Service. In July 2025, he was arrested for attempting to enter a restricted area of the White House without authorization. During that incident, he reportedly claimed to be Jesus Christ and expressed a desire to be arrested. Subsequently, he was sent to a psychiatric ward for mental health evaluation. A "Pretrial Stay Away Order" was issued, and a bench warrant was later issued for non-compliance. President Trump commented on social media, referring to the suspect as having a "violent history and possible obsession with our Country's most cherished structure." **Context of Recent Incidents:** This shooting incident is notable as it is the third occurrence of gunfire in the vicinity of President Trump within the past month. Earlier incidents include a shooting at the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner on April 25, 2026, where Cole Tomas Allen was charged with attempted assassination, and another shooting near the Washington Monument on May 4, 2026, involving Michael Marx. These recurring security breaches underscore ongoing concerns about White House security. **Reporting and Eyewitness Accounts:** Journalists working at the White House reported hearing a series of gunshots and were instructed to seek shelter in the press briefing room. Video shared on social media captured the sound of the gunfire. Law enforcement officials, including FBI Director Kash Patel, confirmed their presence and involvement at the scene. Crime scene tape and evidence markers were visible outside the White House complex. **Impact and Repercussions:** The incident highlights the constant security challenges faced by the Secret Service in protecting high-profile locations like the White House. The repeated security breaches raise questions about protocols and effectiveness. The wounded bystander's condition and identity have not been widely reported. The Secret Service's swift response in neutralizing the threat is acknowledged, but the recurring nature of such events suggests a need for ongoing vigilance and reassessment of security measures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the gunman involved in the White House checkpoint shooting?
The gunman was identified as Nasire Best, a 21-year-old male.
What happened during the incident at the White House checkpoint?
Nasire Best opened fire on a U.S. Secret Service checkpoint. Secret Service officers returned fire, fatally wounding him. A bystander was also injured.
Was President Trump affected by the shooting?
No, President Trump was at the White House during the incident but was not impacted, and no Secret Service agents were injured.
Does the gunman have a prior history with law enforcement?
Yes, Nasire Best had a history of mental health issues and had previously been arrested in July 2025 for attempting to breach White House security.
How many shooting incidents have occurred near the White House recently?
This was the third shooting incident in the vicinity of the President within the past month prior to this event.