Suspect Dead After Opening Fire Near White House Security Checkpoint, Secret Service Says

Authorities have confirmed that a person who opened fire at a White House security checkpoint on Saturday is dead after being shot by officers in self-defense, the U.S. Secret Service reported. This incident marks the third instance of gunfire near President Donald Trump in the past month.

The Secret Service stated that the individual at 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue brandished a weapon from their bag around 6 p.m. ET and began shooting. In response, officers fired back, striking the suspect, who was later pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.

The suspect has been identified as 21-year-old Nasire Best, according to a law enforcement official speaking under anonymity due to the ongoing investigation.

Court records show that Best was previously arrested in July 2025 for attempting to enter a different White House checkpoint without permission. He refused to comply with officers’ orders, claimed to be Jesus Christ, and expressed a desire to be arrested.

Following an initial hearing, a “Pretrial Stay Away Order” was issued, directing Best to refrain from approaching a specific person or area pending trial. In August, a bench warrant was issued after Best failed to attend a scheduled hearing.

This marks the third shooting incident near the president in recent weeks, with previous instances occurring at the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner in April and near the Washington Monument in May.

Additionally, a bystander sustained injuries during the shooting on Saturday. However, it remains unclear whether the bystander was hit by the suspect’s initial gunfire or by shots fired by law enforcement in response.

The Secret Service confirmed that none of their officers were harmed, and President Trump, who was present at the White House during the incident, was unharmed.

Journalists present at the White House on Saturday recounted hearing multiple gunshots and were advised to seek shelter in the press briefing room.

FBI Director Kash Patel took to social media to confirm that officers were responding to the gunfire incident and assured the public of updates as information becomes available.

Evidence of the shooting was evident outside the White House complex, with crime scene tape and medical materials scattered on the sidewalk. The area was cordoned off as officers investigated the scene.

On social media, ABC News correspondent Selina Wang shared a video capturing the moment she heard gunfire and sought cover. The video has garnered widespread attention, highlighting the intense situation that unfolded.

The Metropolitan Police Department urged the public to steer clear of the area as the Secret Service continued their investigation. This location was where a previous attack on National Guard members had taken place.

These recent events follow a string of shooting incidents near the president, including an attempted assassination in April and a shooting near the Washington Monument in May. Law enforcement agencies have been vigilant in responding to these threats and ensuring the safety of all involved.

Kinnard reported from Columbia, South Carolina. Associated Press photojournalists Jose Luis Magana and Alex Brandon, along with AP writers Gary Fields and Matthew Daly, contributed to this report.