Who was Nasire Best and what happened near the White House?

Nasire Best was a 21-year-old Maryland man identified by authorities as the suspect in a fatal shooting outside a security checkpoint near the White House.

According to the US Secret Service, Best was shot by officers on Saturday evening after allegedly firing multiple rounds near the presidential complex. He later died at George Washington University Hospital, says Gulf News.

President Donald Trump was inside the White House at the time of the incident, officials said.

What happened during the shooting?

Authorities said the incident unfolded shortly after 6:00 pm ET near 17th Street NW, close to the White House grounds.

Secret Service personnel observed Best pacing near the area before he allegedly drew a revolver and opened fire at officers. Officers returned fire, striking him. Federal agencies later launched an investigation into the breach and the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

Officials have not publicly identified a clear motive for the attack.

What was known about Best before the incident?

Authorities said Best was known to the Secret Service because of several prior encounters involving White House security.

In June 2025, he allegedly obstructed a vehicle entry point and made threats toward agents, according to the information provided.

In July 2025, Best was arrested on an unlawful entry charge after attempting to access a restricted pedestrian checkpoint near the White House.

A court later issued a stay-away order barring him from the area. Authorities said a bench warrant was subsequently issued after he failed to appear at a court hearing connected to the earlier incidents.

What did authorities say about his mental health?

Officials described Best as "emotionally disturbed" and said he had previously been involuntarily held for a mental health assessment.

The information provided said Best reportedly believed he was Jesus Christ. Authorities said he made similar statements during a prior arrest linked to an attempted entry into a White House checkpoint in 2025.

Law enforcement officials have not said whether mental illness directly motivated the shooting, and investigations into the incident remain ongoing.

Why is the case drawing attention?

The incident has drawn scrutiny because it occurred near one of the most heavily secured locations in the United States and involved a person previously known to federal law enforcement.

The shooting also renewed attention on how authorities manage repeated security breaches involving individuals experiencing mental health crises around sensitive government sites.

Federal agencies continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting and the security response.