A 21-year-old man identified as Nasire Best, who reportedly believed he was the modern-day incarnation of Jesus Christ, opened fire near a White House security checkpoint on the evening of May 23. The incident resulted in Best's neutralization by Secret Service agents and left one bystander seriously injured.
Details of the Incident and Shooter's Background
The shooting occurred shortly before 6 p.m. ET near a security checkpoint outside the White House complex. According to officials, Nasire Best approached the checkpoint and began firing at officers. Secret Service personnel from the uniformed division promptly returned fire, neutralizing the gunman at the scene. Best was transported to a hospital where he was later pronounced dead. No Secret Service agents were injured during the exchange.
A bystander was struck during the incident and sustained serious injuries. Authorities are currently investigating whether the bystander was hit by Best's gunfire or during the crossfire with officers.
Best was reportedly well-known to law enforcement, having been flagged multiple times for loitering near White House entry checkpoints. He had been arrested twice in the past year for offenses including obstructing vehicular traffic and entering a restricted pedestrian control post. During one detention, Best allegedly told authorities he sought arrest because he believed he was Jesus Christ. A court order had previously barred him from approaching the White House premises, which he violated prior to the shooting.
White House Response and Ongoing Investigation
At the time of the shooting, President Donald Trump was inside the White House residence and was unharmed. Officials confirmed that the President was briefed on the incident. Several senior Trump administration officials, including White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and Vice President JD Vance, had reportedly departed the White House shortly before the gunfire erupted.
Following the event, the White House was placed on a brief lockdown, with members of the press instructed to take shelter amidst shouts of “shots fired.” Armed Secret Service personnel secured the area. The lockdown remained in effect for approximately 40 minutes, lifting shortly after 6:45 p.m. ET.
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that federal authorities are assisting the Secret Service in the ongoing investigation. While investigators suspect mental instability may have played a role in the attack, officials continue to examine whether any political motive was involved.
Previous Security Incidents
This latest shooting comes less than a month after another security scare near the White House. In that earlier incident, a suspect identified as Cole Tomas Allen allegedly exchanged fire with Secret Service officers after running through a security checkpoint while carrying a shotgun. Allen later pleaded not guilty to charges, including attempting to assassinate President Trump.