POLITICS

Gunman Fires Near White House, Secret Service Responds

PUBLISHED Aug 24, 2026, 10:22 AM ET

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WASHINGTON — A man was fatally shot by U.S. Secret Service officers on Saturday evening after he opened fire at a security checkpoint near the White House, authorities said. The suspect, identified as 21-year-old Nasire Best of Dundalk, Maryland, approached the checkpoint at 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW around 6 p.m. ET, pulled a weapon from his bag, and began firing at posted officers, according to a Secret Service statement. Officers returned fire, striking Best, who was transported to a hospital and pronounced dead. A civilian bystander was also wounded in the exchange and transported for treatment. President Donald Trump was inside the White House at the time and was not impacted. The White House was placed on lockdown, with the North Lawn cleared and reporters ordered into the press briefing room. FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed the FBI was on the scene supporting the Secret Service. The lockdown was lifted around 6:45 p.m. ET. Best had prior run-ins with the Secret Service, including a 2025 arrest for unlawful entry near the White House.

By Lauren Mitchell | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

Past Events:
· June 26, 2025: Best arrested for obstructing a White House entry lane.
· July 10, 2025: Best arrested for unlawful entry into a restricted White House zone.
· July 2025: Best claimed to be Jesus Christ during a detention.
· 2025: Best posted online claiming to be "real" Osama bin Laden.
· 2025: Best posted at least one message expressing intent to harm Trump.
· April 25, 2026: Shooter opened fire at White House Correspondents' Dinner.
· May 4, 2026: Shooting near Washington Monument involving law enforcement.
· May 23, 2026, 6:00 PM ET: Best approached White House checkpoint and fired.
Present Events:
· May 23, 2026, 6:00 PM ET: Secret Service officers returned fire, striking Best.
· May 23, 2026, 6:00 PM ET: White House placed on lockdown, reporters ordered inside.
· May 23, 2026, 6:45 PM ET: White House lockdown lifted after approximately 30 minutes.
· May 23, 2026, evening: Best pronounced dead at an area hospital.
· May 23, 2026, evening: Civilian bystander wounded, transported to hospital.
· May 23, 2026: FBI Director Patel confirms FBI on scene supporting Secret Service.
· May 23, 2026: Secret Service confirms no officers injured in the exchange.
· May 24, 2026: Suspect publicly identified as Nasire Best, 21, from Maryland.
· May 24, 2026: Investigations continue into motive and circumstances.
Future Scenarios:
· Investigation will determine if Best acted alone or had accomplices.
· Security reviews likely to tighten White House perimeter protocols.
· Authorities will examine Best's mental health and digital footprint.
· Political discourse on presidential security will intensify in coming days.
· Further details on bystander's condition expected from hospital officials.
· Possible congressional hearings on White House security lapses.
· Enhanced screening measures may be implemented at checkpoints.
· Secret Service will review response protocols for future incidents.
· Federal charges may be filed if any co-conspirators are identified.
· Public memorial or statement from Trump administration may be issued.

News Intelligence

Immediate US impact: Security lockdown near White House heightens Washington tensions.
Possible long-term US impact: Stricter presidential security protocols likely after third recent incident.
Affected groups: White House staff, Secret Service, Washington D.C. residents, political figures.
Reader priority: Monitor official statements and avoid unverified social media claims.