WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Secret Service agents have identified the gunman who opened fire near a security checkpoint outside the White House on Saturday afternoon, May 23, 2026, as 21-year-old Nasire Best of Dundalk, Maryland. Best was shot and killed by Secret Service agents during the exchange of gunfire.
Incident Details
The shooting occurred shortly after 6:00 p.m. EST at the intersection of 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW, near the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. According to officials, Best approached a security checkpoint, removed a firearm from his bag, and began firing at Secret Service officers. Officers immediately returned fire, striking the suspect.
Best was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. A bystander who was struck during the exchange remains in stable condition. President Donald Trump was inside the White House during the incident but was unharmed. Secret Service officials confirmed that no "protectees" or operational personnel were injured in the attack.
Background and Prior Encounters
Authorities revealed that Best was already "known to the Secret Service" due to a series of concerning encounters over the past year:
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June 2025: Best was detained after flagging down agents near the White House complex and making threats. He was subsequently sent for a mental health evaluation after claiming to be a divine figure and obstructing vehicle traffic.
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July 2025: Despite a previous evaluation, Best was arrested after ignoring warning signs and entering a restricted area outside the White House. He was charged with unlawful entry onto federally controlled property.
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August 2025: Best failed to appear for a scheduled court hearing, resulting in the issuance of a no-bond bench warrant for his arrest.
Context of Security Concerns
This incident occurred just one month after a separate security breach at the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner on April 25, 2026. In that event, a gunman named Cole Tomas Allen was apprehended after attempting to target administration officials at the Washington Hilton. The two incidents have intensified national discourse regarding security protocols for the President and the administration.
