A 21-year-old man identified as Nasire Best has been named by the United States Secret Service as the gunman involved in a shooting near the White House complex on May 23. The incident, which triggered an immediate security response, unfolded just outside one of the most heavily guarded locations in the US.
According to officials, the firing took place close to 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue on Saturday evening. Best allegedly pulled out a pistol from his bag and began firing around 6:00 PM. Secret Service personnel stationed at the checkpoint responded within moments and shot the suspect during the exchange.
Best was rushed to George Washington University Hospital, where he later died of his injuries. Authorities confirmed that no Secret Service officers or protectees were harmed in the incident.
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At the time, Donald Trump was inside the White House. Earlier in the evening, White House Communications Director Steven Cheung had stated that Trump was present in the executive mansion. Reports suggest he was the only protectee on-site during the shooting.
Preliminary statement regarding the shooting incident on 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue. pic.twitter.com/VK6WWAfH3e
— U.S. Secret Service (@SecretService) May 24, 2026
Bystander injured as probe gets underway
A bystander was also injured during the chaos. Officials have not yet clarified whether the injury was caused by the suspect’s gunfire or during the exchange between the gunman and security personnel. The condition of the injured individual has not been detailed so far.
Investigators are continuing to piece together the sequence of events and examine evidence from the scene.
Who was Nasire Best?
Best was reportedly from Maryland. News agencies, including Reuters, described him as an “emotionally disturbed” individual. He was previously known to the Secret Service and had a history of concerning behaviour near the White House.
Authorities have identified the suspect involved in the shooting near the White House as 21 year old Nasire Best. pic.twitter.com/DA1tSPKgeQ
— Investigates Investigators (@Nerdy_Addict) May 24, 2026
On June 26, 2025, he allegedly blocked a vehicle from entering the White House complex, approached agents, and issued threats. In a separate incident in July 2025, he entered a restricted pedestrian zone and was arrested for unlawful entry, according to court records cited by Bloomberg.
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There are also reports that Best believed he was Jesus Christ, as noted by the Post. Officials have confirmed that he had earlier been held involuntarily for a mental health evaluation.
Motive unclear, probe continues
Authorities have not established a clear motive behind the attack. Investigators are examining Best’s past actions and interactions with law enforcement as part of the ongoing probe.
The latest shooting comes amid heightened concerns around security near the White House, especially following another recent incident linked to the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, where a suspect allegedly attempted to target the US president.
Officials have not released further details at this stage, and the investigation remains active.
