Gunman Opens Fire Near White House
President Trump expressed appreciation for the Secret Service and law enforcement’s quick response to an armed individual who fired shots outside the White House. He remarked that the shooter “could have been attached” to this iconic site.
In a statement made after midnight on Sunday, Trump thanked the agencies for their “swift and professional” actions, noting that the suspect had a history of violence and possibly connections to the nation’s important structure.
The gunman was killed in a shootout with Secret Service agents near the White House gates.
Nasiah Best, 21, approached a security checkpoint at the intersection of 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, wielding a revolver and opening fire around 6:10 p.m.
Best fired multiple rounds before being subdued by agents stationed at various checkpoints surrounding the White House complex.
This individual had previously been known to the Secret Service, often lingering around entry points and disregarding past court orders to keep his distance from the White House. In July 2025, he was arrested after attempting to bypass security at a checkpoint. During that incident, he allegedly pleaded for arrest while claiming to be Jesus Christ.
Following his previous arrest, Best was placed under a “pretrial curfew” and instructed to avoid the White House. However, in August, a bench warrant was issued due to his failure to appear in court.
Reports indicate that an innocent bystander was fatally shot in the chaotic exchange of gunfire.
The Secret Service enacted a lockdown, instructing reporters to convene on the North Lawn and quickly enter the press briefing room. Roughly 30 minutes later, the lockdown was lifted.
As of now, the motive behind this incident remains unclear.
Following the shooting, Trump used the event to advocate for the construction of a new ballroom to replace the East Wing of the White House. He stated that the incident, occurring just a month after another shooting linked to the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, underscores the need for heightened security for future presidents.
Earlier in April, Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were present at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner when a shooting occurred outside the venue, injuring a Secret Service agent.
On the same day of the shooting, Trump mentioned he had a productive phone conversation with leaders from several Middle Eastern nations about a potential peace agreement with Iran, highlighting his ongoing diplomatic efforts.
