WASHINGTON, D.C. — A 21-year-old Maryland man with a history of prior confrontations involving the White House was fatally shot Saturday night after authorities say he opened fire on Secret Service officers guarding a checkpoint near the presidential complex.
The gunfire erupted May 23 near 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW when investigators say Nasire Best pulled a revolver from a bag and began shooting toward a Secret Service security post. Agents immediately returned fire, striking Best during the exchange, according to federal officials.
Best was transported to a nearby hospital, where he later died from his injuries. One bystander was injured during the shooting, though no Secret Service personnel were hurt.
President Donald Trump was inside the White House at the time of the incident but was not harmed, and officials said White House operations continued without interruption.
Secret Service Responded Within Seconds
The shooting unfolded at one of the heavily guarded access points near the White House complex, an area routinely monitored by armed federal agents and local law enforcement.
Authorities said Best approached the checkpoint before suddenly producing a firearm and firing toward officers. Secret Service agents returned fire almost immediately, stopping the attack before the suspect could advance further.
Federal investigators have not publicly identified how many shots were fired during the exchange or released additional details about the injured bystander’s condition.
The Secret Service and Metropolitan Police Department continue to investigate the shooting.
Key Points
• Authorities say a Maryland man opened fire near a Secret Service checkpoint by the White House
• Secret Service agents returned fire, fatally wounding 21-year-old Nasire Best
• One bystander was injured while President Donald Trump remained unharmed inside the White House
Suspect Had Prior Encounters Involving White House
Court records and prior police reports show Best had multiple earlier interactions with law enforcement connected to the White House complex before the fatal shooting.
In 2025, authorities arrested him several times for allegedly making threats, attempting to enter restricted areas, and violating security boundaries near the presidential grounds.
One prior incident led to Best being hospitalized in a psychiatric facility after authorities said he made alarming statements and claimed to be Jesus Christ.
Court filings also indicated a judge previously barred him from returning to the White House area.
Investigators reviewing Best’s background reportedly found social media posts containing threats of violence along with references describing himself as the “son of God.”
Motive Remains Under Investigation
Officials have not announced a definitive motive for the shooting.
However, investigators continue examining Best’s documented mental health struggles and longstanding fixation on the White House complex as part of the ongoing investigation.
The shooting renewed attention on the security perimeter surrounding the White House, one of the nation’s most heavily protected locations, where Secret Service officers regularly confront individuals attempting unauthorized access or making threats.
Authorities have not released additional information about whether Best acted alone or whether further security measures were implemented following the attack.
