White House Gunman with Prior Encounters Fatally Shot After Firing at Checkpoint

Nasire Best, the man identified as the gunman who fired shots outside the White House on Saturday evening, had multiple previous encounters with Secret Service agents, including one where he claimed to be Jesus Christ and another where he was charged with unlawful entry. The incident, which occurred just after 6:00 PM EST, resulted in Best being shot and killed by Secret Service officers after he discharged his weapon, and a bystander sustaining injuries. President Donald Trump was at the White House at the time but was not harmed, and no protectees or operations were affected.

Previous Encounters and Legal Proceedings

Court documents reveal a history of Best’s interactions with the Secret Service and the justice system. In June 2025, Best obstructed an entry lane at the White House and told agents he was Jesus Christ, leading to a mental evaluation. Despite this, he again attempted to access the White House in July 2025.

Following this second incident, Best was arrested and charged with unlawfully entering a federally controlled property. He was released after arraignment but failed to appear for a status hearing in August 2025. This resulted in a no-bond bench warrant being issued for his arrest.

Saturday’s Shooting Incident

Less than a year after the warrant was issued, Best returned to the vicinity of the White House on Saturday. He began firing at a Secret Service checkpoint located at the intersection of 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW, near the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. Secret Service officers on duty returned fire, striking Best.

Best was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. A bystander was also wounded in the exchange of gunfire. The Secret Service confirmed that no officers were injured during the event.