A Maryland man, Nasire Best, was fatally shot by Secret Service agents after he opened fire at a White House security checkpoint on Saturday. Best, 21, had a documented history of encounters with law enforcement and mental health issues, according to court records.

Incident Details

The shooting occurred near 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW shortly after 6 p.m. ET. Best approached the checkpoint, pulled a gun from a bag, and opened fire on Secret Service officers. The officers returned fire, striking Best, who was later pronounced dead at a hospital. A bystander was also injured, though it remains unclear who fired the shot that wounded them. No Secret Service agents were harmed in the incident.

President Donald Trump, who was inside the White House at the time, praised the swift action of the Secret Service and law enforcement. He emphasized the importance of enhancing White House security, a topic currently stalled in the Senate’s budget reconciliation package.

Background and Security Concerns

Best was previously known to the Secret Service for attempting to enter restricted areas around the White House. In a July 2025 incident, he claimed to be Jesus Christ and sought arrest, leading to an unlawful entry charge. He had also been involuntarily committed for obstructing vehicle entry to the White House complex in June 2025.

A bench warrant was issued after Best failed to appear for a subsequent court hearing. His actions on Saturday have reignited discussions on the necessity of robust security measures at the White House, especially following a recent shooting incident during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.

The FBI and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are assisting the Secret Service and Metropolitan Police Department in the ongoing investigation. Authorities have not yet announced a motive for Best’s actions.

Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.