White House gunman identified after deadly shooting
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The White House was placed on immediate lockdown. President Donald Trump, who was inside the Oval Office negotiating a Middle East peace deal at the time, was unharmed. Aides including Steven Cheung, Natalie Harp, and Margo Martin were present during the incident.
A 21-year-old gunman who reportedly believed he was Jesus Christ was shot dead by Secret Service agents after opening fire at a White House security checkpoint on Saturday evening.
The suspect, Nasire Best, was seen pacing along 17th Street Northwest moments before drawing a revolver and firing at posted officers, multiple law enforcement sources said.
Best, a Maryland native with a documented history of mental health issues, had previous encounters with White House security. He was detained twice in 2025 for violating court orders that barred him from White House grounds, including an earlier incident in June when he claimed he was God and was committed for psychiatric evaluation.
During Saturday’s attack, an adult civilian was struck. Authorities have not confirmed whether the injury occurred from the suspect’s gunfire or during crossfire with officers. No Secret Service agents were harmed.
Journalists at the scene reported hearing up to 30 shots, prompting them to take cover in the White House press briefing room. ABC News correspondent Selina Wang described ducking and hiding as the gunfire erupted.
The White House was placed on immediate lockdown. President Donald Trump, who was inside the Oval Office negotiating a Middle East peace deal at the time, was unharmed. Aides including Steven Cheung, Natalie Harp, and Margo Martin were present during the incident.
Evidence at the scene included yellow crime scene tape, emergency medical kits, and multiple evidence markers on the sidewalk outside the White House complex.
The FBI confirmed its presence at the scene and is supporting the Secret Service in investigating the incident. Director Kash Patel assured the public that updates would be provided as information becomes available.
This is the latest in a series of security incidents involving the White House. President Trump has been the target of three alleged assassination attempts, including a shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on April 25, 2026.
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