A gunman who claimed he was Jesus Christ opened fire near the White House Saturday evening but was quickly shot dead by the Secret Service.
Gunman Killed Near White House
Nasire Best, 21, fired a few shots at a checkpoint around 6:10 p.m. while pacing along 17th Street Northwest. He was immediately stopped by a hail of bullets from Secret Service agents. At least one bystander was seriously wounded in the exchange.
Best was previously known to the Secret Service for repeatedly loitering near White House entrances and had violated a prior court order to stay away.
Incident and Lockdown
The shooting triggered a White House lockdown, with reporters instructed to take cover on the North Lawn and later in the press briefing room. The lockdown lasted about 30 minutes.
Selina Wang, a senior ABC White House correspondent, described the chaos:
“It sounded like dozens of gunshots… We were told to sprint to the press briefing room.”
The shots occurred less than two hours after President Trump posted on Truth Social about working in the Oval Office on a peace deal with Iran.
Gunman’s Background
Best had been involuntarily committed in June for obstructing traffic near the White House and was arrested again in July for unlawful entry. During that arrest, he claimed he was Jesus Christ and said he wanted to be arrested.
Authorities have not confirmed a political motive for the Saturday shooting.
Reactions from Leaders
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R–LA) praised the Secret Service:
“Brave Secret Service agents took quick, decisive action to protect President Trump. Our prayers are with the victims for a speedy recovery.”
Rep. Cory Mills (R–FL) and Rep. Betty Column (D–MN) also condemned the attack, urging Americans to resolve differences peacefully and through elections.
Previous Threats
Saturday’s incident is part of a recent string of attacks near President Trump, including a shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner a month ago and an earlier campaign rally shooting in July 2024.
President Trump thanked law enforcement on Truth Social for their swift response, calling the gunman “violent” and highlighting the importance of White House security.
