Nasire Best Fatally Shot by Secret Service After Firing at Checkpoint in Shooting Outside The White House
A 21-year-old Maryland man identified as Nasire Best was fatally shot by U.S. Secret Service officers after he opened fire at a White House security checkpoint on Saturday evening, authorities said. One civilian bystander was also wounded in the exchange of gunfire.
According to the Secret Service, shortly before 6 p.m. ET, Best approached a checkpoint near 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW, pulled a gun from a bag, and began firing at officers. Secret Service personnel returned fire, striking the suspect. Best was transported to George Washington University Hospital, where he later died.
No Secret Service officers were injured.
President Trump Safe
President Donald Trump was at the White House during the shooting and has been briefed on the incident. He was not in any danger, and the White House perimeter was never breached. The lockdown that was put in place has since been lifted.
Journalists on Scene Describe Chaos
Journalists gathered on the North Lawn reported hearing a rapid series of gunshots. NBC News White House correspondent Julie Tsirkin posted on X that approximately 20 to 30 gunshots were heard.
“Secret Service told those of us gathered on the North Lawn to run inside the press briefing room,” she wrote.
Approximately 20-30
Secret service told those of us gathered on the north lawn to run inside the press briefing room
— Julie Tsirkin (@news_jul) May 23, 2026
ABC News Senior White House Correspondent Selina Wang was filming on the North Lawn when the shooting began.
Video shows her ducking for cover after hearing “dozens of gunshots.” She and other journalists were ordered to run to the press briefing room for safety.
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According to Fox News, Nasire Best had previous encounters with the Secret Service, including being detained in June 2025 for making threats and again in July 2025 for entering a restricted area. He also had a documented history of mental health issues.
The Secret Service confirmed in a statement that officers responded to a person firing a weapon near a checkpoint outside the White House complex.
The FBI is supporting the investigation.
1 thought on “Suspect Identified as 21-Year-Old Nasire Best; Secret Service Fatally Shoots Gunman Near White House, One Bystander Wounded”
I’m totally shocked that someone with that name and skin color would want our president dead!