Gunman Killed Outside White House Had History of Arrests and Mental Health Concerns
Nasire Best, who was fatally shot after opening fire near a Secret Service checkpoint, had previously attempted to enter the complex twice in 2025.
Primary source: BBC World News. Full source links, newsroom standards, and correction details are below.
Fast summary
Start here
- The gunman, identified as Nasire Best, was killed by Secret Service after firing shots near the Eisenhower Executive Office Building.
- Court records show Best had two previous run-ins at the White House in mid-2025, including an arrest for unlawful entry and a mental health evaluation.
- A no-bond bench warrant had been issued for Best in August 2025 after he failed to appear for a status hearing following his prior arrests.
What happened
On Saturday evening, Nasire Best opened fire at a Secret Service checkpoint at the intersection of 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW. Secret Service officers stationed at the corner returned fire, striking and killing Best. While President Donald Trump was inside the White House at the time, officials confirmed that no protectees were harmed. A bystander was wounded in the exchange and transported to a hospital, but further details on their condition were not immediately available.
What's new in this update
Newly released court documents reveal that the Metropolitan Police Department and Secret Service were already familiar with Best due to multiple incidents in 2025. In June of that year, he was sent for a mental evaluation after obstructing a White House entry lane and telling agents he was Jesus Christ. Despite this, he returned in July 2025 and was arrested for trying to access the grounds again, leading to an unlawful entry charge.
Key details
Best, a resident of Dundalk, Maryland, was essentially a fugitive at the time of Saturday's shooting. After his July 2025 arrest, he was released on the condition of attending a status hearing in August. When he failed to appear, a judge issued a no-bond bench warrant for his arrest. He remained at large for several months before reappearing at the White House checkpoint to carry out the attack.
Background and context
Security at the White House has been under intense scrutiny following a series of high-profile incidents. This shooting occurred just one month after another gunman opened fire at the White House Correspondents' Dinner, an event that forced the emergency evacuation of the President and hundreds of attendees. The repeated nature of these security breaches has led to questions regarding the effectiveness of current deterrents and monitoring of individuals with prior trespass history.
What to watch next
The Metropolitan Police Department is leading the investigation into the shooting alongside federal authorities. Future updates are expected to clarify the condition of the injured bystander and provide more information on how Best was able to approach the security checkpoint while an active warrant was out for his arrest.
Why this matters
The incident highlights ongoing security challenges and the persistence of individuals with known mental health issues and prior breaches at the presidential complex.
Reader context
This story belongs to Northstar Herald's world coverage, with related entities including White House, Secret Service, Nasire Best, Donald Trump. The report is based on BBC World News source material.
Related coverage
Why it matters
The incident highlights ongoing security challenges and the persistence of individuals with known mental health issues and prior breaches at the presidential complex.
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Follow this story through the topic hub, more world coverage, and the latest updates.
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