White House Gunman Nasire Best Had Two Previous Secret Service Encounters
The individual fatally shot by the Secret Service after firing at a White House checkpoint has been identified as Nasire Best. Court documents reveal Best had two prior encounters with authorities at the executive residence, suggesting a pattern of behaviour that raised security concerns.
In June 2025, Best, from Dundalk, Maryland, obstructed a White House entry lane, informing Secret Service agents he was Jesus Christ. This incident prompted a mental health evaluation. Despite this, he attempted to access the White House again in July, leading to his arrest and a charge of unlawfully entering a federally controlled property.
After being released following his arraignment, Best failed to appear for a status hearing in August 2025, resulting in a no-bond bench warrant for his arrest. Less than a year later, on Saturday, he reappeared outside the White House, opening fire at a Secret Service checkpoint near 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW.
Secret Service officers returned fire, killing Best. A bystander also sustained injuries in the shooting, though no further details on their condition have been provided by the Secret Service. US President Donald Trump was present at the White House during the incident but was unharmed. His social media statement thanked the Secret Service for their “swift and professional action”.
This event follows another shooting just a month prior at the White House Correspondents' Dinner, which necessitated the evacuation of attendees and the escorting of President Trump by Secret Service personnel.
