The gunman who opened fire at a White House security checkpoint Saturday evening had previous encounters with Secret Service — and reportedly once told them he was Jesus Christ and wanted to be arrested.
The suspect, identified as 21-year-old Nasire Best, “pulled a weapon from his bag” in the area of 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue just after 6 p.m. ET and began firing, the Secret Service said in a statement.
Best was “known to Secret Service” and had previously tried to enter a different White House security checkpoint.
A bystander was also hit by the gunfire, though it was unclear who fired that shot and the extent of their injuries. No Secret Service agents were injured and Trump, who was at the White House, was not impacted, officials said.
Trump thanked the Secret Service, describing the suspect as someone who "had a violent history and possible obsession with our Country's most cherished structure," and called for the White House to become "the most safe and secure space of its kind ever built in Washington, D.C."
It was the third incident of gunfire near Trump in just the past month.
Key Points
- Suspect identified as 21-year-old Maryland resident
- Suspect had history of mental health issues, officials say
- Trump thanks law enforcement for 'swift and professional action'
- Trump continues working inside White House following nearby shooting
- Suspect opened fire on Secret Service security booth, sources say
- ABC News reporter captures audio of gunfire during broadcast taping
Condition of bystander shot was not immediately known
16:00 , Isabel Keane
A bystander was shot as Nasire Best and Secret Service officers exchanged gunfire near a White House security checkpoint Saturday night.
Authorities have not shared any information about the bystander shot, including their identity or current condition.
It was also unclear who fired the shot that injured the bystander.
Motivation in shooting remains unknown
15:45 , Isabel Keane
The motivation behind the shooting remained unknown early Sunday morning.
The gunman, identified as 21-year-old Nasire Best, was killed by Secret Service agents after he allegedly opened fire at a White House security checkpoint Saturday night.
Officials have not shared a possible motive for the shooting.
White House gift shop has shattered windows and bullet holes following shooting
15:20 , Isabel Keane
A White House gift shop in the area of the shooting appeared to have at least one broken window and bullet holes following Saturday’s shooting.
ABC News senior White House correspondent Selina Wang, who shared dramatic footage of the moment she heard what “sounded like dozens of gunshots,” gave the update Sunday morning.
“Walked by what appears to be shattered glass and bullet holes at the White House gift shop in the area where the shooting took place last night,” Wang wrote alongside pictures of the damaged storefront.
Walked by what appears to be shattered glass and bullet holes at the White House gift shop in the area where the shooting took place last night @GMA pic.twitter.com/qPnuByzh4H
— Selina Wang (@selinawangtv) May 24, 2026
Third shooting incident near the president in a month
14:50 , Isabel Keane
Saturday’s shooting was the third time in the past month that shots were fired near President Donald Trump.
The previous two incidents include the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner in April and an incident where a man allegedly fired a gun at law enforcement officers near the Washington Monument in May.
Shooting was not suspect's first encounter with Secret Service at White Hosue
14:13 , Isabel Keane
The man who opened fire near the White House Saturday night, and was killed by Secret Service, had previous encounters with the Secret Service.
Nasire Best, 21, was arrested in July 2025 after attempting to enter a different White House checkpoint. During that encounter, he reportedly claimed he was Jesus Christ and said he wanted to be arrested.
Even before that incident, Best was “known to the Secret Service” for “walking around the White House complex inquiring how to gain access at various entry points,” CNN reported.
He was involuntarily committed on June 26, 2025, for “obstructing vehicle entry” to part of the White House complex.
Best reportedly threatened violence against President Donald Trump on his social media accounts, and wrote in one post, “I’m actually the son of God.”
With reporting by the Associated Press.
Who was Nasire Best, the suspect shot dead near the White House?
10:30 , Stuti Mishra
Nasire Best, 21, was identified as the suspect by a law enforcement official who spoke on condition of anonymity to The Associated Press because they were not authorised to discuss the investigation. The Secret Service said in a preliminary statement on X that he "pulled a weapon from his bag" in the area of 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue shortly after 6pm ET and began firing.
According to District of Columbia court records, Best was arrested in July 2025 after he attempted to enter a different White House checkpoint without authorisation, didn't heed officers' commands to stop, "claimed he was Jesus Christ" and said he wanted to be arrested.
An initial hearing was held, and a "Pretrial Stay Away Order" was issued. A bench warrant was issued in August after a notice of "noncompliance" against Best, who did not show up for a subsequent hearing.
Social media reportedly belonging to Best included a post that appeared to threaten violence against Mr Trump and another in which he wrote "I'm actually the son of God."
Full story: Gunshots fired near White House as Secret Service and FBI respond
10:00 , Stuti Mishra
Approximately 20 shots were heard just after 6 p.m. Eastern Time, appearing to originate from the side of the White House complex that contains the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, multiple local and national reporters who were at the White House at the time said.
U.S. Secret Service personnel immediately responded by ushering them inside.
Read more:
Gunman killed after opening fire on Secret Service checkpoint at White House
New York City council speaker reacts to White House shooting
09:30 , Stuti Mishra
Julie Menin, New York City council speaker, said she is "troubled by the latest shooting that occurred tonight near the White House."
"I’m hoping the injured bystander makes a full recovery, and I’m grateful for the actions of the Secret Service in stopping the shooter from inflicting more harm."
Troubled by the latest shooting that occurred tonight near the White House.
— Speaker Julie Menin (@SpeakerMenin) May 24, 2026
I’m hoping the injured bystander makes a full recovery, and I’m grateful for the actions of the Secret Service in stopping the shooter from inflicting more harm.
ICYMI: What we know about the shooting near the White House
09:00 , Stuti Mishra
- A suspect opened fire at a White House security checkpoint on Saturday shortly after 6 p.m. ET, near 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, the Secret Service said
- Secret Service officers returned fire, hitting the suspect, who was taken to hospital where he later died. He has been identified as 21-year-old Nasire Best of Washington D.C.
- A bystander was also struck, though it is unclear whether they were hit by the suspect's bullets or those fired by officers
- Around 20 shots were heard by journalists working at the White House, who were immediately ushered inside the press briefing room for shelter
- Trump was at the White House at the time but was not "impacted," the Secret Service said. None of its officers were injured
White House reporter ducks for cover as gunman opens fire on Secret Service checkpoint
08:30 , Stuti Mishra
Trump continues working inside White House following nearby shooting
08:00 , Stuti Mishra
President Donald Trump remains inside the executive mansion and continues to work following the shooting incident outside the complex, White House Communications Director Steven Cheung said Saturday.
“President Trump is working at 8:00 PM,” Cheung wrote in a post on X. “Can't stop, won't stop.”
President Trump is working at 8:00 PM.
— Steven Cheung (@StevenCheung47) May 24, 2026
Can’t stop, won’t stop. https://t.co/SOcQNQpZ3R
Shooting scene not far from a deadly incident last year
07:30 , Stuti Mishra
The shooting scene is within walking distance of where a gunman ambushed two members of the West Virginia National Guard last November.
U.S. Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, died from the wounds she suffered in that shooting. Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, then 24, was critically wounded. Rahmanullah Lakanwal has been charged in that incident.
The gunfire Saturday came nearly a month after what law enforcement authorities said was an attempted assassination of the president as he attended the annual White House Correspondents' Association Dinner at a Washington hotel on April 25. Cole Tomas Allen, of Torrance, California, recently pleaded not guilty to charges that he attempted to kill Trump. Allen is accused of running through a security checkpoint inside the hotel and firing a shotgun at a Secret Service officer.
Following that scare, Secret Service officers shot a suspect they said had fired at officers near the Washington Monument, several blocks from the White House. Michael Marx, 45, of Midland, Texas, was charged in a complaint filed in U.S. District Court in connection with the 4 May shooting. A teenage bystander was wounded in that incident.
Suspect had previous run-in with Secret Service
07:10 , Graeme Massie
The gunman, who has been named by law enforcement sources to multiple outlets as 21-year-old Nasire Best, had been living in Washington D.C. for around 18-months, according to CBS News.
In July 2025 he was arrested by the Secret Service for trying to gain entry to the White House, a source told the network. He was reportedly sent to a psychiatric ward for mental health issues.
Video: Reporter ducks as shots were heard around White House
06:50 , Stuti Mishra
An ABC news reporter recorded the moment shots were heard around the White House.
"I was in the middle of taping on my iPhone for a social video from the White House North Lawn when we heard the shots," Selina Wang wrote on X,
"It sounded like dozens of gunshots. We were told to sprint to the press briefing room where we are holding now," she said in a tweet posted on Saturday evening.
I was in the middle of taping on my iPhone for a social video from the White House North Lawn when we heard the shots. It sounded like dozens of gunshots. We were told to sprint to the press briefing room where we are holding now. pic.twitter.com/iqdQwh4soq
— Selina Wang (@selinawangtv) May 23, 2026
Trump thanks law enforcement for 'swift and professional action'
06:25 , Stuti Mishra
Donald Trump has thanked the Secret Service and law enforcement for their "swift and professional action" following yesterday's shooting near the White House.
"The gunman is dead after an exchange of gunfire with Secret Service Agents near the White House gates," the president wrote on Truth Social, describing the suspect as someone who "had a violent history and possible obsession with our Country's most cherished structure."
Mr Trump said the incident, coming one month after the White House Correspondents' Dinner shooting, showed the need for "the most safe and secure space of its kind ever built in Washington, D.C. The National Security of our Country demands it!"
“Thank you to our great Secret Service and Law Enforcement for the swift and professional action taken this evening against a gunman near the White House…” - President Donald J. Trump pic.twitter.com/PCfmZgSC1w
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) May 24, 2026
Full story: Gunshots fired near White House as Secret Service and FBI respond
06:10 , Stuti Mishra
Approximately 20 shots were heard just after 6 p.m. Eastern Time, appearing to originate from the side of the White House complex that contains the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, multiple local and national reporters who were at the White House at the time said.
U.S. Secret Service personnel immediately responded by ushering them inside.
Read more:
Gunshots fired near White House as Secret Service and FBI respond
Bystander struck by gunfire in White House checkpoint shooting
05:50 , Stuti Mishra
A bystander was struck by gunfire during Saturday's shooting near the White House, the Secret Service said, though it was not clear how badly the person was hurt.
It also remains unclear whether they were hit when the gunman began shooting or during the subsequent exchange of gunfire between the suspect and officers, according to a separate Secret Service statement cited by multiple news outlets.
Investigation into shooting continues on Saturday evening
05:34 , Graeme Massie
Who was Nasire Best, the suspect shot dead near the White House?
05:12 , Stuti Mishra
Nasire Best, 21, was identified as the suspect by a law enforcement official who spoke on condition of anonymity to The Associated Press because they were not authorised to discuss the investigation. The Secret Service said in a preliminary statement on X that he "pulled a weapon from his bag" in the area of 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue shortly after 6pm ET and began firing.
According to District of Columbia court records, Best was arrested in July 2025 after he attempted to enter a different White House checkpoint without authorisation, didn't heed officers' commands to stop, "claimed he was Jesus Christ" and said he wanted to be arrested.
An initial hearing was held, and a "Pretrial Stay Away Order" was issued. A bench warrant was issued in August after a notice of "noncompliance" against Best, who did not show up for a subsequent hearing.
Social media reportedly belonging to Best included a post that appeared to threaten violence against Mr Trump and another in which he wrote "I'm actually the son of God."
Photos: Heavy police presence around White House
05:05 , Stuti Mishra
Markwayne Mullin praises secret Service reaction to shooting
04:45 , Graeme Massie
Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin has praised the Secret Service for their actions outside the White House.
“Tonight’s shooting is a reminder of the dangers our law enforcement officers face every day. I am thankful for the bravery and swift action of the Secret Service officers involved. Thankfully, no officers were harmed.”
04:12 , Stuti Mishra
What we know about the shooting near the White House
- A suspect opened fire at a White House security checkpoint on Saturday shortly after 6 p.m. ET, near 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, the Secret Service said
- Secret Service officers returned fire, hitting the suspect, who was taken to hospital where he later died. He has been identified as 21-year-old Nasire Best of Washington D.C.
- A bystander was also struck, though it is unclear whether they were hit by the suspect's bullets or those fired by officers
- Around 20 shots were heard by journalists working at the White House, who were immediately ushered inside the press briefing room for shelter
- Trump was at the White House at the time but was not "impacted," the Secret Service said. None of its officers were injured
NY governor denounces political violence
04:06 , Graeme Massie
Democrat Kathy Hochul took to social media to say that political violence has “no place in Ameria” after the incident.
“Political violence has no place in America,” Hochul wrote on X. “The quick actions of the Secret Service tonight prevented an already dangerous situation near the White House from becoming even worse.”
“Praying everyone remains safe as the authorities continue their investigation,” she added.
Sen. Rick Scott praises Secret Service response
03:31 , Graeme Massie
Republican Florida Sen. Rick Scott has praised the Secret Service response to Saturday’s shooting.
Scott posted on X that he was thankful that President Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump and White House staff were safe.
“THANK YOU to the heroic Secret Service agents who acted quickly and decisively to neutralize the threat,” Scott wrote.
He called it “yet another attempt on the president’s life” and said the violence “needs to stop.”
Latest images after shooting near White House
02:40 , Graeme Massie
Senate Majority Leader John Thune praises Secret Service response
02:20 , Jasmine Fernández
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., praised the U.S. Secret Service for its quick response.
“Grateful for the Secret Service and the agents’ decisive actions to protect President Trump and everyone at and around the White House this evening,” Thune said in a statement on X. “Kimberley and I are praying for the safety and security of those who were in harm’s way.”
Suspect identified as 21-year-old Maryland resident
02:09 , Jasmine Fernández
The suspect accused of opening fire near the White House on Saturday has been identified by law enforcement as Nasire Best, 21, of Maryland, multiple sources confirmed to Fox News Digital.
According to sources, Best died while in transit to GW Medical Center after being shot by U.S. Secret Service agents. Officials added that the suspect had prior encounters with the Secret Service alongside a known history of mental health issues.
Trump briefed on White House shooting as Iran peace talks continue
02:07 , Jasmine Fernández
President Donald Trump has been briefed on the shooting that occurred outside the White House complex, a White House official told CBS News. The Secret Service previously confirmed that Trump was inside the executive mansion at the time of the incident but was unaffected.
The briefing comes during a busy weekend for the administration, as the president and his team continue working to negotiate a peace deal aimed at ending the war with Iran.
House Speaker Mike Johnson commends Secret Service response
01:54 , Jasmine Fernández
House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., commended the federal response to the active shooter near the White House Saturday evening. Johnson praised the law enforcement officers on duty for their quick action to ensure the safety of the president.
“We are grateful for our brave Secret Service agents who took quick, decisive action to protect President Trump, and our prayers are with the victims of tonight’s senseless shooting for a speedy recovery,” Johnson wrote on X.
He added that law enforcement officers “deserve our unwavering support” for running into harm’s way daily.
Trump continues working inside White House following nearby shooting
01:51 , Jasmine Fernández
President Donald Trump remains inside the executive mansion and continues to work following the shooting incident outside the complex, White House Communications Director Steven Cheung said Saturday.
“President Trump is working at 8:00 PM,” Cheung wrote in a post on X. “Can't stop, won't stop.”
Suspect had history of mental health issues, officials say
01:21 , Jasmine Fernández
The male suspect who died after opening fire near the White House Saturday had a history of mental health issues, officials told Fox News. The suspect approached a Secret Service checkpoint at 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW, drew a weapon from his bag and shot at officers before being fatally struck by return fire.
A bystander was also wounded during the exchange, though their condition is unknown and it remains unclear who fired the shot that hit them.
Secret Service confirms suspect dead, bystander struck in official statement
01:12 , Jasmine Fernández
The U.S. Secret Service released an official statement Saturday evening providing a preliminary timeline of the shooting. The full statement, by a Secret Service spokesperson, is included below:
“Shortly after 6:00 p.m. Saturday, an individual approached a Secret Service checkpoint in the area of 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW. A preliminary investigation indicates that as the individual approached, he removed a weapon from his bag and began firing at posted officers.
Secret Service police officers returned fire, striking the suspect, who was transported to an area hospital, where he later died. During the shooting, a bystander was also struck by gunfire. It remains unclear whether the bystander was struck by the suspect’s initial gunfire or during the subsequent exchange of gunfire.
No injuries were sustained by Secret Service personnel. The President was at the White House during the incident but was not impacted.
The incident remains under investigation.”
Suspect opened fire on Secret Service security booth, sources say
Sunday 24 May 2026 00:59 , Jasmine Fernández
A suspect began shooting Saturday evening at a security booth outside the White House where U.S. Secret Service officers were on guard inside, two sources familiar with the matter told CBS News. Somewhere between 10 and 20 shots were fired during the initial encounter.
Secret Service officers returned gunfire, wounding the suspect, according to the sources. None of the Secret Service officers on duty are believed to have been struck by the gunfire.
ABC News reporter captures audio of gunfire during broadcast taping
Sunday 24 May 2026 00:46 , Jasmine Fernández
ABC News Senior White House Correspondent Selina Wang captured the audio of the gunshots while filming a video on the White House North Lawn. In a post shared on social media, Wang stated that she was recording on her phone when the incident began.
“It sounded like dozens of gunshots,” Wang said in the post. She added that members of the press corps were ordered by security personnel to immediately run into the indoor press briefing room, where reporters were held while the complex was under lockdown.
I was in the middle of taping on my iPhone for a social video from the White House North Lawn when we heard the shots. It sounded like dozens of gunshots. We were told to sprint to the press briefing room where we are holding now. pic.twitter.com/iqdQwh4soq
— Selina Wang (@selinawangtv) May 23, 2026
Secret Service shoots person near White House, bystander also injured
Sunday 24 May 2026 00:40 , Jasmine Fernández
The U.S. Secret Service shot a person near the White House grounds on Saturday evening after the individual opened fire on a security booth, law enforcement officials told the Associated Press. A bystander was also injured by gunfire during the exchange.
A police officer stands on the roof of a building at the White House
Sunday 24 May 2026 00:37 , Jasmine Fernández
U.S. Secret Service personnel respond by ushering reporters inside
Sunday 24 May 2026 00:31 , Jasmine Fernández
Reporters hold up their phones near a window in the Press Briefing room after a lockdown was triggered at the White House in Washington, D.C., on May 23, 2026
Sunday 24 May 2026 00:30 , Jasmine Fernández
