An armed man was shot and killed by the US Secret Service after opening fire near a White House security checkpoint close to the North Lawn, according to officials. The incident triggered a temporary lockdown around the White House complex as security forces responded to the shooting.
Authorities identified the suspect as 21-year-old Nasire Best from Maryland. Investigators said Best approached a checkpoint near 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, removed a gun from a bag, and began firing at officers stationed outside the White House grounds. Secret Service agents returned fire, fatally wounding him. A bystander was also injured during the incident.
According to court records and law enforcement sources, Best had previous encounters with the Secret Service after earlier attempts to access the White House area in 2025. Reports said he had been sent for psychiatric evaluation after claiming he was “Jesus Christ” during one of the incidents.
Officials have not confirmed a final motive, but investigators believe Best may have had an obsession with the White House and longstanding mental health issues. The FBI and Secret Service are continuing their investigation into the shooting.
