WASHINGTON, D.C. — Nasire Best, a 21-year-old man from Maryland with a documented history of mental health issues and prior encounters with authorities, was fatally shot by Secret Service agents after he opened fire near the White House on Saturday evening, May 23, 2026.
The incident occurred around 6:10 PM near a Secret Service checkpoint at 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW. According to officials, Best approached the checkpoint, pulled a handgun from a bag, and began firing at officers. Secret Service agents returned fire, striking Best. He was transported to George Washington University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. No Secret Service personnel were injured, though one bystander sustained wounds. The White House was placed on a brief lockdown, but President Trump and other protectees inside were unharmed.
Best was already known to law enforcement as a repeated offender with erratic behavior centered around the White House complex. Court records and official statements reveal a pattern of incidents tied to delusions, including claims that he was Jesus Christ.
In July 2025, Best was arrested for unlawful entry after slipping past a restricted pedestrian checkpoint near the White House. During that encounter, he reportedly told authorities he was “Jesus Christ” and that he “wanted to get arrested.” Earlier, in June 2025, he was involuntarily committed to a psychiatric facility after obstructing traffic in the same area. He was also subject to a stay-away order from the White House complex.
Best had been living in the Washington, D.C. area for approximately 18 months. Social media posts attributed to him included statements such as “I’m actually the son of God” and references to threats against President Trump. Authorities described his actions as linked to long-standing mental health concerns rather than evidence of a coordinated attack.
The FBI is assisting the Secret Service in the ongoing investigation. As of now, officials have not identified any additional threats or accomplices.
The shooting highlights ongoing challenges regarding individuals with mental illness who repeatedly approach secure federal sites. No further details on Best’s background, family, or exact motive have been released pending full investigation.
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