Suspect in White House Shooting Previously Attempted Access

Law enforcement sources and court documents revealed that the suspect in Saturday’s shooting outside the White House had attempted to gain access to the premises last year. The individual might have suffered from mental health issues.

The alleged gunman is identified as 21-year-old Nasire Best from Dundalk, Maryland. CBS News obtained documents indicating that Best previously blocked an entry lane to the White House in June 2025. During this incident, he informed agents that he was Jesus Christ and sought arrest. Best underwent a mental evaluation and attempted access to the White House area once more in July 2025.

Secret Service agents apprehended Best and charged him with unlawfully entering federally controlled property in Washington. Court documents show a judge ordered him to stay away from the area. According to D.C. Superior Court records, Best was released after his arraignment but failed to appear for a status hearing on August 7, 2025, triggering a no-bond, D.C.-only bench warrant allowing law enforcement to arrest him.

On Saturday, Best approached the White House again, near 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW. He retrieved a revolver from a messenger bag and fired at a U.S. Secret Service checkpoint, as law enforcement sources informed CBS News. A Secret Service agent cycled past a window damaged by the gunfire near the White House.

Multiple uniformed division officers, including those in a cruiser outside the security checkpoint, returned fire, fatally hitting the suspect, as reported by law enforcement sources.

A bystander sustained injuries during the shooting. It was uncertain whether the gunfire originated from the suspect or responding officers. The victim’s surgery was successful, and they remain in serious but stable condition.

The shooting occurred close to the Starbucks on Pennsylvania Avenue NW. Bullet holes and shattered glass were visible at the White House History Shop the following day.

The Metropolitan Police Department will conduct the use-of-force investigation, a standard procedure when Secret Service personnel discharge firearms. Detectives from MPD’s Internal Affairs Bureau Force Investigation Team will manage the officer-involved shooting inquiry, which includes processing the scene, collecting ballistic and video evidence, and interviewing witnesses and personnel.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for D.C. also examines all police-involved fatalities to evaluate potential federal civil-rights or D.C. criminal charges.

Separate from this investigation, the Secret Service conducts an internal review spearheaded by its Office of Professional Responsibility. There is also an ongoing criminal investigation into the suspect’s actions.