On Saturday evening, May 23, 2026, Secret Service agents fatally shot an armed 21-year-old man after he opened fire near a White House security checkpoint.
Overview of the Incident
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The Suspect: Authorities identified the gunman as Nasire Best, a 21-year-old with a documented history of severe mental health struggles. According to previous court records, Best had a track record of loitering near the executive mansion, violating stay-away orders, and making erratic statements, including claims that he was Jesus Christ.
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The Shooting: At approximately 6:10 p.m., Best was observed pacing erratically along 17th Street Northwest. He then drew a revolver and fired multiple rounds at a pedestrian checkpoint. Secret Service Uniformed Division officers immediately returned fire, killing the suspect at the scene.
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Collateral Damage: During the intense exchange of gunfire, at least one civilian bystander was struck and sustained serious injuries.
Chaos and Lockdown
The sudden gunfire caused immediate panic outside the executive mansion. Members of the press reporting from the North Lawn were forced to dive for cover on live television before being escorted by the Secret Service to shelter inside the press briefing room.
The White House was immediately placed on strict lockdown for approximately 30 minutes. At the time of the incident, President Donald Trump was reportedly inside the Oval Office working on a peace agreement regarding Iran. The FBI quickly arrived on the scene to assist the Secret Service with the ongoing investigation.
Political Reactions and Statements
The shooting—which occurred just a month after a similar incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner—drew immediate, bipartisan condemnation against political violence.
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President Donald Trump: In a Sunday morning post on Truth Social, the President thanked the Secret Service and law enforcement for their “swift and professional action.” He noted the suspect’s violent history and emphasized the critical need for absolute security at the White House for all future presidents.
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House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA): Praised the decisive actions of the Secret Service agents who protected the President and offered prayers for the rapid recovery of the wounded bystander.
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Rep. Cory Mills (R-FL) & Rep. Betty Column (D-MN): Both representatives echoed sentiments that political violence has no place in the United States, urging the public to resolve differences peacefully at the ballot box rather than through acts of violence.
