White House shooting near security post involves Secret Service and Nasire Best

US Secret Service officers shot dead a gunman after gunfire erupted near a White House security post. US media reports said the incident on Saturday evening caused a short lockdown. At least one bystander was seriously injured. Officials later said no Secret Service personnel were hurt during the exchange.

Reports identified the suspect as 21-year-old Nasire Best. Investigators said Best drew a revolver near a checkpoint by 17th Street Northwest. Best then fired several rounds towards officers. The response was swift and armed. Loud bursts were heard across nearby streets and lawns.

Journalists on the White House North Lawn described panic after the shots. Agents were heard shouting "get down" and "shots fired". Reporters, photographers, and producers were moved quickly indoors. They were taken into the briefing room. Armed officers secured lawns and access points.

ABC News correspondent Selina Wang posted an account on X. Wang wrote, "I was in the middle of taping on my iPhone for a social video from the White House North Lawn when we heard the shots. It sounded like dozens of gunshots. We were told to sprint to the press briefing room where we are holding now,"

Investigators linked Best to earlier law enforcement encounters and mental health concerns. US outlets cited Secret Service records of repeated loitering near restricted entry points. Those incidents reportedly breached a judge’s earlier order. The order directed Best to keep away from controlled access areas around the compound.

US media cited court records that stated, "[Best] claimed he was Jesus Christ and that he wanted to get arrested," Officials also said Best was involuntarily committed in June 2025. That followed traffic blocking near 15th Street and E Street Northwest. Best claimed to be "God" and was taken for evaluation.

Another arrest followed in July 2025, reports said. Best allegedly tried entering a complex driveway via an exit-only turnstile. Best also reportedly bypassed a pedestrian checkpoint. A judge then ordered Best to avoid White House grounds. Later reviews found posts claiming to be "the real" Osama bin Laden.

White House shooting and Secret Service context during Donald Trump talks

The shooting happened while US President Donald Trump was inside the White House. Reports said Trump stayed in Washington and did not travel. Trump had been discussing Iran and a proposed peace framework. Trump referred to a potential "Memorandum of Understanding pertaining to PEACE". The event came amid recent security scares linked to Trump.

Period	Reported event
June 2025	Involuntary commitment after traffic blocking; claim of being "God".
July 2025	Arrest after alleged attempt to enter via exit-only turnstile.
Less than a month earlier	Another armed suspect allegedly fired shots near the Correspondents' Dinner venue.