Suspected gunman fatally shot by Secret Service near the White House, authorities say

A suspected gunman was fatally shot by Secret Service officers near the White House on July 6, 2025, after approaching a security checkpoint shortly after 6 p.m. ET. The suspect, identified as Nasire Best, 21, of Dundalk, Maryland, removed a weapon from his bag and began firing at officers, prompting a response that resulted in his death at a nearby hospital. The Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia confirmed Best’s identity. Court records show he was arrested in July 2025 after attempting to enter a White House checkpoint without authorization, ignoring officers’ commands, and claiming he was Jesus Christ. A pretrial stay-away order was issued, followed by a bench warrant in August after he failed to comply. A bystander was struck during the incident, though it remains unclear whether the injury resulted from the suspect’s initial shots or the officers’ return fire. No Secret Service officers were injured, and President Donald Trump, who was at the White House at the time, was not impacted. Secret Service officials stated the incident followed a preliminary investigation, while Trump later linked the shooting to broader security concerns, noting it occurred one month after an attempted assassination at the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner. Journalists on-site reported hearing multiple gunshots and sought shelter in the press briefing room, with some capturing the chaotic moments on video. Best’s prior arrest and non-compliance with court orders raised concerns about his mental state and potential obsession with the White House, as Trump described in a social media post. The incident has intensified discussions about presidential security amid rising threats.