A bystander was hit by gunfire after a man opened fire at a White House security checkpoint. The person was seriously injured but is now in stable condition, according to U.S. Secret Service officials.
The Secret Service said the bystander, who has not been named, was shot but the injury is not life-threatening. It is still unclear exactly how the person was hit.
What Happened at the White House Checkpoint
Authorities revealed that 21-year-old Nasire Best from Dundalk, Maryland, fired shots toward a White House security checkpoint on Saturday evening. Secret Service officers returned fire, and Best later died at a hospital.
No officers were hurt in the incident. Secret Service Director Sean Curran shared on social media that their thoughts are with the wounded bystander, and they hope he will fully recover.
President Donald Trump was inside the White House when the shooting took place.
Recent Security Incidents Near the White House
This is the third shooting near the president in the past month:
- Earlier this month, a man fired at Secret Service officers near the Washington Monument and was wounded.
- In April, a man carrying guns and knives tried to enter the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner.
President Trump mentioned on Truth Social that the suspect may have been “obsessed with our country’s most cherished structure.” He also used the incident to promote plans for a new secure ballroom at the White House, asking Congress for $1 billion for security upgrades.
About the Suspect, Nasire Best
Nasire Best had previous encounters with law enforcement near the White House. In July last year, he was arrested for trying to enter White House grounds at another checkpoint. At that time, he claimed to be Jesus Christ and wanted to be arrested.
Best graduated from Dundalk High School in 2023, where he was a track and field athlete. His mother told The Washington Post that she was shocked by the news, saying her son was never violent, despite reports online.
The White House shooting shows how security near sensitive locations like the president’s residence is extremely tight. While the suspect tragically lost his life, it is fortunate that no officers were injured and the bystander is expected to recover.
The incident also highlights ongoing concerns about security measures and threats in Washington, D.C., making discussions about upgrades to the White House facilities a priority.
