A man who opened fire near a White House security checkpoint on Saturday is dead after being shot by Secret Service officers, authorities said. The incident occurred at 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, near the White House, at around 6 p.m. EDT. The suspect, identified as 21-year-old Nasire Best, pulled a weapon from his bag and began firing, prompting Secret Service officers to return fire.
The Secret Service said in a statement that Best died at a hospital after being hit by officers. A bystander was also struck, but it’s unclear whether they were hit by the suspect’s initial bullets or those fired by officers. None of the Secret Service officers were injured, and President Trump, who was at the White House at the time, was not affected.
White House Security Breach
This incident marks the third time in the past month that shots have been fired near the president. In April, a man attempted to assassinate Trump at the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner, and earlier in May, shots were fired near the Washington Monument. Best had previously been arrested in July 2025 for attempting to enter a White House checkpoint without authorization and claiming to be Jesus Christ.
According to court records, a pretrial stay-away order was issued, and a bench warrant was issued in August after Best failed to appear for a hearing. The FBI is investigating the incident, and Director Kash Patel said agency personnel are on the scene. Evidence of the shooting, including yellow crime scene tape and orange evidence markers, was visible on the sidewalk outside the White House complex.
Journalists at the White House reported hearing a series of gunshots and were told to seek shelter. A video shared by ABC News senior White House correspondent Selina Wang shows her ducking for cover as gunfire is heard in the background. The video has been shared thousands of times and viewed at least 3 million times.
Investigation and Implications
The incident raises concerns about White House security and the ability of individuals to breach checkpoints. The Secret Service has come under scrutiny in recent weeks after a series of security incidents, including the attempted assassination of Trump at the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner. The FBI’s investigation into the incident is ongoing, and authorities are working to determine the motives behind the shooting.
The incident also highlights the risks faced by law enforcement officers and the importance of effective security measures. The shooting occurred near the site of a previous attack on two members of the West Virginia National Guard, which left one dead and another critically wounded. As the investigation continues, authorities will be working to prevent similar incidents in the future and ensure the safety of the president and the public.
The broader significance of this incident lies in its implications for national security and the safety of public figures. The ability of individuals to breach security checkpoints and carry out attacks on prominent targets raises concerns about the effectiveness of current security measures and the need for increased vigilance in the face of evolving threats.
