A major security scare unfolded outside the White House on Saturday evening, 23rd May, after a 21-year-old gunman opened fire near a security checkpoint and was later shot dead by US Secret Service personnel during an exchange of gunfire.
The suspect was identified as Nasire Best, who authorities said was already known to the Secret Service because of multiple earlier incidents near the White House complex. According to reports, Best believed he was Jesus Christ and had previously tried to gain access to restricted areas around the presidential complex.
The shooting happened near the intersection of 17th Street Northwest and Pennsylvania Avenue at around 6 pm local time. According to the Secret Service, Best pulled a handgun from a bag and started firing toward officers stationed near a checkpoint outside 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. 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
“Shortly after 6 pm Saturday, an individual in the area of 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue pulled a weapon from his bag and began firing,” the Secret Service said in a preliminary statement.
Secret Service officers immediately returned fire, critically injuring the suspect. Best was later taken to a nearby hospital, where he was declared dead.
A suspect was killed after opening fire on a Secret Service checkpoint outside the White House Saturday evening, a Secret Service spokesperson told CBS News in a statement.
— CBS News (@CBSNews) May 24, 2026
President Trump has been briefed on the shooting that occurred outside the White House, a White House… pic.twitter.com/zZ8hFvtF8U
Officials also confirmed that one bystander was hit during the shooting. However, authorities have not yet clarified whether the bystander was struck by bullets fired by the suspect or by returning officers. No Secret Service personnel were injured in the incident.
White House locked down during shooting
The gunfire caused panic around the White House complex, with members of the White House press corps being rushed into secure areas. Journalists present near the North Lawn said Secret Service agents shouted “get down” and warned everyone about “shots fired” as armed personnel secured the area.
The White House complex remained under lockdown for nearly 40 minutes before restrictions were lifted later in the evening.
At the time of the shooting, US President Donald Trump was inside the Oval Office. According to reports, Trump had been holding discussions related to a possible peace agreement involving Iran, Israel and several Middle Eastern countries.
Earlier in the day, Trump had posted on Truth Social that conversations had taken place with leaders from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Pakistan, Türkiye, Egypt, Jordan and Bahrain regarding a “Memorandum of Understanding about PEACE.”
Suspect was previously known to the Secret Service
Investigators later revealed that Best had been repeatedly stopped near the White House in the past and had earlier been detained over suspicious behaviour.
Court documents showed that in June 2025, Best was involuntarily committed after obstructing vehicle access near the White House complex. Officials said he had also walked into a restricted zone near the presidential complex in July 2025 despite warning signs and security barriers.
According to court records, Best made bizarre claims during questioning.
“[Best] claimed he was Jesus Christ and that he wanted to get arrested,” one court affidavit reportedly stated.
Sources said Best had earlier been ordered by a judge to stay away from the White House premises after attempting to bypass a restricted pedestrian entry point.
Reports also claimed investigators had previously found disturbing social media posts linked to him, including posts where he allegedly referred to himself as “the real Osama bin Laden.”
Investigation continues
FBI Director Kash Patel said the agency was assisting the Secret Service following reports of gunfire near the White House grounds. In a post on X, he said officers were responding to the situation and would “update the public as we’re able”.
FBI is on the scene and supporting Secret Service responding to shots fired near White House grounds – we will update the public as we’re able
— FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) May 23, 2026
Authorities recovered a pistol believed to belong to Best from the scene. Officials said more information would be released once the investigation progresses.
The incident marks another major security scare near the White House in recent months and has once again raised questions about security threats around the heavily protected presidential complex in Washington DC.
