Nasire Best was killed after a shooting outside a White House security checkpoint on 17th Street NW around 6:10 p.m. Saturday, triggering a rapid Secret Service lockdown and FBI assistance. At least one bystander was injured, while investigators review Best’s
Saturday evening outside the White House turned chaotic fast—so fast that reporters and staff were suddenly sprinting for cover as gunfire rang out near a security checkpoint.
Nasire Best. 21. had been seen acting erratically along 17th Street NW before allegedly pulling a gun and firing toward a security checkpoint around 6:10 p.m. Federal officers returned fire almost immediately. Gunfire struck and killed Best on the scene and injured at least one bystander during the exchange.
The Secret Service moved to secure the White House complex. ordering reporters and staff into secure areas as the situation developed. Inside the press area. the sound of rapid gunfire made it clear this wasn’t a routine incident—security protocols activated in real time. The FBI later confirmed it was assisting on the scene as investigators worked to piece together what led up to the shooting.
In the hours that followed, officials and lawmakers weighed in. Both sides of the aisle condemned political violence while praising law enforcement’s response. President Trump and others issued statements thanking federal agents for their quick action as investigators continued reviewing the circumstances surrounding the shooting. FBI Director Kash Patel posted to X. writing: “FBI is on the scene and supporting Secret Service responding to shots fired near White House grounds – we will update the public as we’re able“.
“FBI is on the scene and supporting Secret Service responding to shots fired near White House grounds – we will update the public as we’re able
— FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) May 23, 2026”
Investigators also began looking closely at Best’s history. Authorities said he had prior encounters with law enforcement. including claims that he was “Jesus Christ” and that he wanted to be arrested. according to reports. Officials noted he had been involuntarily committed earlier this year and had multiple prior incidents involving restricted White House perimeter access.
Questions quickly turned to how he managed to return to the area despite a standing order to stay away. Investigators are reviewing whether his mental health history and prior violations contributed to Saturday’s escalation. As of now, the motive remains unconfirmed.
What unfolded near 17th Street NW left a clear trail of urgency: erratic behavior was followed by gunfire toward a checkpoint around 6:10 p.m. federal officers returned fire. Best died on scene. and at least one bystander was injured—then the White House complex was locked down while the FBI and Secret Service worked to understand the lead-up.
For now, the investigation continues, with authorities sorting through Best’s past, the standing restrictions meant to keep him away, and the circumstances that allowed him to be in the area when shots were fired.
Nasire Best White House shooting Secret Service lockdown FBI assistance 17th Street NW security checkpoint Kash Patel