Gunman killed by Secret Service after opening fire near White House checkpoint

A gunman was fatally shot by US Secret Service agents on Saturday evening after opening fire at a White House security checkpoint. The incident occurred around 6pm local time on May 23, 2026, when the man approached the White House security perimeter, pulled a weapon from a bag, and began firing at officers stationed there.

According to Anthony Guglielmi, the Secret Service communications chief, agents returned fire and killed the assailant during the confrontation. A bystander was also struck during the shootout and was reported to be in critical condition. President Donald Trump was inside the White House at the time of the incident but was not affected by the shooting.

The gunman has been identified as 21-year-old Nasire Best, who had previously documented run-ins with law enforcement and mental health concerns, according to NBC journalist Tom Winter citing official sources. President Trump later commented on the incident, describing the shooter as someone with a "violent history and possible obsession" with the White House.

Particularly notable are reports suggesting that Best believed he was Jesus, indicating serious mental health issues that may have contributed to his actions. These details paint a picture of an individual struggling with significant psychological problems, though the exact circumstances that led to the attack are still under investigation.

The timing of the incident is significant, as it occurred on a day when President Trump was reportedly working to negotiate a deal with Iran. While this temporal coincidence raises questions about potential connections between political developments and the attack, no direct links have been confirmed by authorities.

Dramatic video footage captured the immediate aftermath of the shooting, showing reporters and journalists near the White House ducking for cover as gunshots rang out. An ABC News reporter was filmed taking cover during the incident, highlighting the immediate danger and chaos of the situation. The journalists were subsequently moved to the press briefing room for their safety.

Security around the White House is traditionally extremely tight, and incidents of this nature are rare but not unprecedented. The Secret Service is specifically trained to respond quickly and decisively to such threats. The agents' response in this case followed established protocols for dealing with armed attackers near the presidential residence.

The incident began when Best approached the White House checkpoint and removed a gun from his bag before opening fire on the officers. The Secret Service agents' immediate response prevented what could have been a more serious security breach. Both the gunman and the injured bystander were initially reported to be in critical condition, though Best later succumbed to his injuries.

Federal authorities continue to investigate the incident, examining both the circumstances of the attack and the security response. Particular attention is being paid to how Best was able to get so close to the White House and draw a weapon despite the stringent security measures in place.

The shooting has prompted discussions about the ongoing security challenges faced by the Secret Service in protecting the President and the White House complex. The incident serves as a reminder of the constant vigilance required to maintain security at one of the most heavily guarded locations in the United States.

While the quick response of the Secret Service agents prevented a potentially more serious incident, the shooting raises questions about security protocols and the screening of individuals approaching White House checkpoints. The investigation will likely examine whether any improvements to existing security measures are necessary.

The incident also highlights the broader issues surrounding mental health and access to firearms, as Best's reported psychological problems and previous encounters with law enforcement suggest warning signs that may have been present before the attack. However, authorities have not yet released detailed information about Best's background or the specific circumstances that led to his actions on Saturday evening.