The individual involved in the recent shooting near the White House was identified as Nasire Best, a 21-year-old from Dundalk, Maryland. According to law enforcement sources and court records, Best was previously apprehended after attempting to access the White House and is believed to have had mental health issues.
Sources reveal that Best was arrested last year after blocking a White House entry lane in June 2025. At the time, he claimed to be Jesus Christ and sought arrest. This incident led to a mental health evaluation. In July 2025, Best tried to access the area again and was arrested by Secret Service agents. He faced charges for unlawfully entering a federally controlled area and was ordered by a judge to stay away from the premises.
Although released following an arraignment on the unlawful entry charge, Best missed an August 7, 2025 hearing. This resulted in a D.C.-only bench warrant for his arrest.
On Saturday, Best reappeared outside the White House near 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW. According to law enforcement, he drew a revolver from a messenger bag and fired at a Secret Service checkpoint. In response, uniformed division officers, including one stationed outside the checkpoint, returned fire, killing him. A bystander was injured but underwent successful surgery, remaining in serious but stable condition.
The incident occurred close to a Starbucks on Pennsylvania Avenue NW. Broken glass and bullet holes were visible the following day at the White House History Shop. The Metropolitan Police Department will investigate the use of force, following the standard process when Secret Service personnel discharge their weapons. The MPD’s Internal Affairs Bureau Force Investigation Team will process the scene, collect evidence, interview witnesses, and determine the sequence of events.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for D.C. will review the incident to assess whether federal civil rights or D.C. criminal charges are warranted. This investigation is separate from the Secret Service’s internal review led by its Office of Professional Responsibility and the criminal investigation into Best’s alleged actions.
Contributions to this report were made by Sara Cook, Aaron Navarro, Pat Milton, Jennifer Jacobs, and Faris Tanyos.
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