Secret Service Kills 21-Year-Old Nasire Best Near White House After He Fires at Officers
Updated
Updated · CNN · May 23
Secret Service Kills 21-Year-Old Nasire Best Near White House After He Fires at Officers
8 articles · Updated · CNN · May 23
Nasire Best, 21, was identified as the gunman killed after he approached a White House checkpoint shortly before 6 p.m. ET and opened fire on Secret Service officers.
A bystander was hit and remained in critical condition, while no Secret Service personnel were injured and President Donald Trump, inside the residence, was briefed and unaffected.
Best had prior Secret Service encounters in June and July 2025, including one that led to a psychiatric evaluation and another that ended with an order to stay away from White House grounds.
Investigators had also found social media posts in which Best claimed he was "the real" Osama bin Laden and indicated a desire to harm Trump, though police had not previously seen him act violently or carry a weapon.
The shooting triggered a roughly 40-minute White House lockdown for reporters and staff, less than a month after another gunfire incident near the complex sent attendees at the Correspondents' Dinner scrambling for cover.
What gaps in intelligence allowed a known individual to attack a White House checkpoint?
With security incidents rising, how can public spaces near landmarks be made safer for bystanders?
White House Shooting on May 4, 2026: Michael Marx Incident, Security Failures, and Policy Repercussions
Overview
On May 4, 2026, Michael Marx began shooting at a security checkpoint near the White House, prompting Secret Service agents to immediately return fire. Marx was shot multiple times, transported to a hospital, and later died from his injuries. No law enforcement officials were hurt during the confrontation. The incident, which took place in a busy area with many civilians, led to a rapid law enforcement response and raised concerns about security protocols around federal buildings. The ongoing investigation is focused on understanding Marx's motives and ensuring public safety in high-traffic areas near the nation's capital.