By May 24, 2026, a shooting occurred outside the White House, involving a suspect previously known to law enforcement. The alleged gunman, identified as 21-year-old Nasire Best from Dundalk, Maryland, had a history of attempting to access the White House. According to court documents and law enforcement sources, Best may have suffered from mental health issues.
In June 2025, Best blocked an entry lane to the White House, claiming he was Jesus Christ and wanting arrest. Following this, he underwent a mental evaluation. He again attempted to access the White House in July 2025, leading to his arrest by Secret Service agents. Charges were filed for unlawfully entering federally controlled property, with a judge ordering him to stay away.
Despite an arraignment, Best missed a status hearing on August 7, 2025, triggering a no-bond warrant limited to D.C. This permitted law enforcement to detain him if found.
On May 24, 2026, Best returned to the area, drawing a revolver and firing at a Secret Service checkpoint near 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW. Multiple officers, including those in a cruiser, responded and shot the gunman, resulting in his death. A bystander was injured during the incident, although it remains unclear whose bullets caused the wound. The injured person had surgery the same night and is stable but serious.
The shooting occurred near a Starbucks on Pennsylvania Avenue NW. Broken glass and bullet damage were visible at the White House History Shop the following day. The Metropolitan Police Department will handle the investigation into the Secret Service’s use of force. This process includes evidence collection, scene processing, and witness interviews to determine all events and injuries.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for D.C. will review the case to decide if federal civil-rights or local criminal charges are warranted. This investigation is separate from the Secret Service’s internal review conducted by their Office of Professional Responsibility.