Shooting Incident Near White House: Details on the Gunman

Recently, gunfire erupted near the northwestern corner of the White House grounds while President Trump was inside. Secret Service agents responded and fatally shot the gunman.

Credit: Greg Kendall-Ball/The New York Times
May 24, 2026, 12:18 p.m. ET

Three incidents in the last month involved shots fired near high-profile U.S. officials. The latest took place Saturday evening when a gunman approached the White House, withdrew a firearm from a bag, and started shooting. Secret Service officers responded by shooting and killing the attacker.

A bystander suffered injuries in the incident, but no further details were shared about the individual’s condition. Secret Service noted that none of their officers were hurt during the confrontation.

President Trump remained secure within the White House at the time. He later expressed gratitude towards the Secret Service and law enforcement personnel. He described the gunman as someone with a “violent history” and a “possible obsession” with the White House.

Here’s what is known:

Who is the shooter?

The gunman was identified as 21-year-old Nasire Best, according to two officials knowledgeable about the investigation. After being taken to a nearby hospital, Mr. Best was declared dead.

Mr. Best had previous altercations with the law, including a July arrest for entering a restricted White House area and disregarding warnings. D.C. Superior Court records revealed he was known to Secret Service members for inquiries about access points around the White House.

Mr. Best was also involuntarily detained in June for obstructing vehicle access on the east side of the White House, charged with unlawful entry. At that time, he had no outstanding warrants. He reportedly claimed to officers that “he was Jesus Christ and wanted to be arrested.”