Shooting Incident Near the White House

A man who was shot and killed by a Secret Service agent after reportedly firing at a security checkpoint near the White House on Saturday had a documented history with law enforcement and mental health issues, according to officials.

President Trump expressed gratitude to the Secret Service and law enforcement for their swift actions during the incident, noting that the shooter had a violent background and may have had an unusual attachment to the White House.

The gunman was identified as 21-year-old Nasiah Best from Maryland. He had been previously known to the Secret Service in that area, as filed in a D.C. Superior Court document from July 2025.

The incident unfolded when Best entered a restricted area, disregarded commands to stop, and reportedly proclaimed that he was Jesus Christ and wished to be arrested. In a prior encounter, he had also blocked a vehicle trying to enter the White House complex.

Following his arrest in July, officers sought a court order to prevent Best from entering the White House area.

On the day of the shooting, Best approached the checkpoint, produced a gun, and fired at Secret Service agents, who returned fire. He was later taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead.

A bystander was injured, though it remains unclear who fired the shot or their condition. Fortunately, no Secret Service personnel were hurt, and President Trump was inside the White House during the incident, receiving updates on the situation.

The shooting prompted a temporary lockdown of the White House, with agents swiftly responding armed. This lockdown was lifted about 40 minutes later, but as of early Sunday, no motive had been disclosed. The FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were involved in the ongoing investigation.