Suspect in White House Shooting Previously Tried to Enter Grounds
A 21-year-old man identified as Nasire Best of Dundalk, Maryland, was killed after firing at a Secret Service checkpoint near the White House on Saturday. Court records show Best had prior encounters with agents and an active bench warrant.
abcnews.go.comU.S. Secret Service checkpoint near the White House. Best pulled the weapon from a messenger bag and emptied its magazine before officers returned fire, according to law enforcement sources cited by CBS News. A bystander was wounded in the exchange and underwent surgery Saturday night; the victim remains in serious but stable condition.
Court documents obtained by CBS News show Best blocked a White House entry lane in June 2025, told agents he was Jesus Christ and wanted to be arrested, and was sent for a mental evaluation. He attempted to enter the area again in July 2025 and was arrested on a charge of unlawfully entering federally controlled property.
A judge ordered Best to stay away from the White House. -only bench warrant.
The handgun used was described by two law enforcement sources as a specialized weapon obtained illegally on the streets of Baltimore. Ballistics evidence is being processed. S. C. will examine whether evidence supports federal civil-rights or local criminal charges.
Secret Service Director Sean M. Curran said in a Sunday statement that no officers were injured and expressed hope for the bystander's recovery.
Key Facts
Story Timeline
4 events- June 2025
Nasire Best blocked a White House entry lane and was sent for mental evaluation.
1 sourceCBS News - July 2025
Best was arrested for unlawfully entering federally controlled property.
1 sourceCBS News - August 7, 2025
Best failed to appear for a status hearing, triggering a bench warrant.
1 sourceCBS News - May 23, 2026
Best fired at a Secret Service checkpoint and was killed by return fire.
1 sourceCBS News
Potential Impact
- 01
Metropolitan Police Department will complete a use-of-force investigation.
- 02
U.S. Attorney's Office will review evidence for possible charges.
- 03
Secret Service internal review of officer conduct will proceed separately.
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