Gunman Killed Near White House Previously Claimed To Be Jesus

Secret Service Police shot a 21-year-old gunman Saturday evening after he opened fire near a White House security checkpoint, federal officials said. He later died at a hospital.

The shooting happened shortly after 6 p.m. near 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW, according to a preliminary statement from the U.S. Secret Service Office of Communications.

Preliminary statement regarding the shooting incident on 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue. pic.twitter.com/NOdFKmwVuU

— U.S. Secret Service Office of Communications (@SecretSvcSpox) May 24, 2026

Shooting At Checkpoint

The man approached the checkpoint and “removed a weapon from his bag and began firing at posted officers,” the Secret Service said, according to AP.

Secret Service Police returned fire and struck the suspect. Officers transported him to an area hospital, where he later died, the agency said.

A bystander also suffered a gunshot wound. Officials had not immediately said whether the suspect’s gunfire or officers’ return fire struck the bystander.

The agency reported no injuries to Secret Service personnel.

“The President was in the White House during the incident, however no protectees or operations were impacted,” the Secret Service said.

Suspect Identified

A law enforcement official identified the suspect as 21-year-old Nasire Best, AP reported.

D.C. court records cited by New York Post show authorities arrested Best in July 2025 after he allegedly tried to enter a different White House checkpoint without authorization, ignored officers’ commands, “claimed he was Jesus Christ,” and said he wanted to be arrested.

A court issued a “Pretrial Stay Away Order” after an initial hearing, AP reported. The court later issued a bench warrant after Best failed to appear for a later hearing, according to the report.

Press Took Shelter

As previously reported by The Dallas Express, FBI Director Kash Patel said Saturday evening that FBI agents were supporting the Secret Service after a gunman opened fire near the White House grounds.

Reporters on the White House grounds reported hearing gunfire and taking shelter as law enforcement responded. ABC News Senior White House Correspondent Selina Wang said she was filming from the White House North Lawn when the shots rang out.

“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,” Wang wrote on X.