A man accused of opening fire near the White House has been identified after a chaotic shooting incident that forced the area into lockdown over the weekend. Authorities say the suspect, 21-year-old Nasire Best, was shot and killed by Secret Service agents after he allegedly fired multiple rounds near a White House security checkpoint in Washington, D.C.
The incident caused panic near the White House complex and led to a major security response as officers rushed to protect the area.
Suspect Identified After White House Shooting
According to the Metropolitan Police Department, the shooting happened on Saturday, May 23, near the intersection of Pennsylvania Avenue and 17th Street Northwest, close to the White House grounds.
Officials say Nasire Best allegedly approached the security area carrying a bag before pulling out a firearm and opening fire.
Secret Service agents immediately responded and shot the suspect during the exchange.
Best was taken to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Bystander Seriously Injured During Incident
Authorities confirmed that another person nearby was also struck during the shooting.
The injured bystander was transported to a hospital with serious injuries.
Officials said no law enforcement officers or Secret Service agents were hurt during the incident.
The White House complex was placed on lockdown for a short period following the shooting while officers secured the area.
Donald Trump Was Inside White House
Reports stated that President Donald Trump was inside the White House during the incident but was not harmed.
After the shooting, Trump thanked Secret Service agents and law enforcement officers for their quick response.
He also referred to the suspect as someone with a violent history and mentioned concerns about White House security.
Suspect Previously Arrested Near White House
According to reports, Nasire Best had previous encounters with law enforcement connected to the White House area.
Court records reportedly show that he was arrested in July 2025 after entering a restricted section of the White House grounds.
During that earlier incident, he allegedly claimed he was “Jesus Christ.”
Reports also stated that he had been seen asking security personnel how to gain access to the White House complex.
After that arrest, he was reportedly banned from the area.
Reports Mention Mental Health Concerns
Authorities and reports indicate that Best had previously been involuntarily committed to a psychiatric hospital in 2025.
The commitment reportedly happened after another incident involving blocked vehicle access near the White House.
Officials have not yet publicly confirmed a motive for the shooting.
Investigators are continuing to examine the suspect’s background, mental health history, and activities leading up to the attack.
Witnesses Describe Chaos Near White House
Journalists and witnesses near the White House described hearing rapid gunfire during the incident.
Reports said approximately 10 to 20 shots were fired near a security booth outside the complex.
White House correspondent Selina Wang shared video footage showing the panic as people nearby rushed for cover after the gunshots started.
The White House lockdown was later lifted after officers secured the scene.
Investigation Continues
Federal authorities and local investigators are continuing to review evidence connected to the shooting.
The incident has once again raised concerns about security around the White House and the challenges law enforcement faces in protecting high-security government locations.
Officials have not yet released additional details about the injured bystander or whether any other individuals may have been involved.
