Gunman who fired outside White House identified | NewsNation Prime

A serious shooting incident that occurred just outside the White House grounds on the evening of May 23 has shaken the American public and sparked widespread concerns regarding security surrounding the U.S. President’s residence. According to sources from law enforcement agencies and U.S. media outlets, the suspect has been identified as Nasire Best, 21, an individual with a history of incidents involving psychological instability who had previously been warned to stay away from the White House area.

Preliminary reports indicate that the incident took place at approximately 6:00 p.m. local time at the intersection of 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, near a U.S. Secret Service checkpoint. Witnesses reported hearing dozens of gunshots ring out in rapid succession, plunging the surrounding area into immediate chaos. Security personnel swiftly cordoned off the scene, while civilians and journalists present nearby were instructed to seek shelter.

According to the U.S. Secret Service, the suspect approached a security checkpoint near the White House, then drew a gun from a bag and opened fire on officers on duty. Security forces immediately returned fire, shooting and killing the individual at the scene. The suspect was transported to a nearby hospital in critical condition but subsequently died.

A civilian who happened to be passing through the area was also struck by a bullet during the exchange of gunfire. It remains unclear whether the bullet that caused the injury came from the suspect or from the security forces’ return fire. The individual was rushed to the hospital for emergency treatment and is currently receiving care. Fortunately, no Secret Service personnel were injured in the incident.

What made the incident even more serious was the confirmation that President Donald Trump was inside the White House at the time of the shooting. However, officials stated that he was unharmed and remained in a secure area throughout the incident. Immediately after the shots rang out, the White House was placed under a temporary lockdown. Reporters working in the briefing room were instructed to remain inside until security forces had fully brought the situation under control.

Investigative sources revealed that Nasire Best was not an unfamiliar name to the U.S. Secret Service. Previously, in 2025, the individual had been arrested after attempting to unlawfully access the White House grounds. Following that incident, he was committed to a psychiatric treatment facility and issued a ban prohibiting his return to the area. Investigative records indicate that the suspect had exhibited signs of mental instability and frequently made bizarre statements—including claiming to be “Jesus Christ.”

U.S. authorities are currently focusing their investigation on the motive behind the attack. As of now, there is no evidence suggesting this was an act of organized terrorism. Investigators currently lean toward the possibility that the suspect acted alone and suffered from severe mental health issues. Nevertheless, the FBI—along with various other federal agencies—continues to scrutinize the subject’s communication history, online activity, and personal connections to determine whether any extremist elements were involved.

Numerous witnesses near the scene described the moment the shootout erupted as “terrifying” and “chaotic.” Several videos shared on social media captured the sound of rapid gunfire ringing out just steps away from the White House, while security personnel shouted urgent commands for everyone to get down or seek shelter. Several television reporters broadcasting live from the area north of the White House were also forced to scramble for cover as the shots rang out.

The incident occurred against a backdrop of heightened security around the White House, following a series of recent security breaches. Just weeks earlier, another shooting incident took place near an event hosted by the White House Correspondents’ Association, drawing significant public attention to the security risks facing high-ranking officials. Security experts note that the pressure to safeguard the White House is mounting as an increasing number of individuals exhibiting extremist tendencies or mental instability attempt to approach the complex.

In the wake of the incident, police and Secret Service personnel have implemented additional layers of security checkpoints along the routes leading to the White House. Security barriers have been reinforced and deployed more densely, while several streets in downtown Washington, D.C., have been temporarily closed off to facilitate the ongoing investigation. Experts suggest that this incident will prompt the U.S. government to re-evaluate its entire security protocol surrounding the White House, particularly regarding individuals with a history of disruptive behavior or signs of psychological instability.

President Donald Trump subsequently praised the swift response of the U.S. Secret Service. He stated that the officers acted with “extreme professionalism” and helped avert a potentially far greater tragedy. He also emphasized that security around the White House remains a top priority for the federal government.

Currently, the FBI continues to gather evidence at the scene and interview witnesses in an effort to reconstruct the full sequence of events surrounding the shooting. Investigators are analyzing security camera footage, as well as the firearm used by the suspect, to determine the exact number of rounds fired during the exchange—a confrontation that lasted only a few minutes but sent shockwaves across the United States.

This incident once again underscores the sensitive and high-risk nature of protecting America’s key government institutions. Although security forces responded with great speed, the shooting has raised numerous questions regarding the ability to preemptively intercept individuals exhibiting dangerous behaviors before they can gain access to critical security zones. In the near future, it is highly likely that the U.S. government will further intensify its surveillance, screening, and threat assessment measures targeting individuals with a history of posing a threat to national security.