21-Year-Old Shooter Dead After White House Gunfire
A 21-year-old Maryland man with a history of mental health issues was killed by Secret Service agents after opening fire near the White House while President Trump was inside.
A 21-year-old Maryland man who opened fire near the White House on Saturday afternoon has been identified as Nasire Best, according to Nius. The suspect died from gunshot wounds sustained when Secret Service agents returned fire during the incident.
Best is accused of discharging multiple rounds in the vicinity of the White House on Saturday. Secret Service personnel engaged the shooter and struck him with gunfire. He succumbed to his injuries while being transported to hospital.
President Donald Trump was inside the White House at the time of the shooting but was unaffected by the incident, according to security officials. A bystander was also hit by gunfire during the exchange.
History of Mental Health Issues and Prior Incidents
Fox News has reported that Best had a documented history of psychological problems. The suspect had previously been detained by the Secret Service on June 26, 2025, after stopping agents and making threats. He was arrested again on July 10, 2025, following an intrusion into a restricted area.
These repeated encounters with law enforcement suggest a pattern of escalating behavior targeting the White House complex in the weeks leading up to the fatal shooting.
Trump Thanks Law Enforcement
In a statement posted to Truth Social, the President described the shooter as having a violent past and possibly an obsession with the White House. Trump expressed gratitude to authorities for their rapid and professional response to the threat.
The incident marks yet another security challenge for the Secret Service, which has faced scrutiny over protection protocols in recent years. The shooting occurred in broad daylight on a weekend afternoon, raising questions about how Best was able to approach close enough to the executive mansion to discharge a weapon.
Investigators are continuing to examine Best’s background and motivations, though his prior arrests and threatening behavior point to a fixation on the presidential residence. The bystander injured in the crossfire is expected to recover.
With information from Nius
