Nasire Best, identified by Washington DC's Metropolitan Police Department as the suspect in Saturday's shooting outside the White House, had prior encounters with Secret Service agents at the same location, according to court documents reviewed by the BBC.
Best, of Dundalk, Maryland, first drew attention in June 2025 when he obstructed a White House entry lane and informed agents he was Jesus Christ. He was sent for a mental evaluation following that episode.
Despite the evaluation, Best attempted to access the White House again in July 2025. Secret Service agents arrested him on charges of unlawfully entering a federally controlled property, court records indicate.
After his arraignment on the unlawful entry charge, Best was released but failed to appear for a status hearing in August 2025. This absence resulted in a no-bond bench warrant for his arrest.
The situation escalated on Saturday just after 18:00 EST when Best opened fire at a Secret Service checkpoint at the intersection of 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW, near the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. Reporters filming outside the White House ducked and ran for cover as shots rang out.
Secret Service officers at the checkpoint returned fire, striking Best. He was transported to a hospital and pronounced dead there. A bystander was wounded in the exchange, though officials provided no further details on that person's condition. No officers were injured.
President Donald Trump was inside the White House during the incident but remained unharmed. Officials stated that no protectees or operations were impacted by the shooting.
"Thank you to our great Secret Service and Law Enforcement for the swift and professional action taken this evening against a gunman near the White House," Trump posted on social media afterward.
The shooting came a month after another gunman opened fire at the White House Correspondents' Dinner, which ended abruptly as attendees were evacuated and Trump was escorted out by Secret Service agents.
Best's earlier incidents, including telling agents he wanted to be arrested during the June encounter, are detailed in the court documents. Those records also note his release following the July arrest before the warrant was issued for missing the August hearing.
Authorities have not released additional information on the bystander's condition or any potential motive beyond what is contained in the prior court filings. The Metropolitan Police Department confirmed Best's identity to the BBC based on the investigation.
Investigators continue to examine the sequence of events from the Saturday shooting, with the Secret Service describing the response as professional and effective in neutralizing the immediate threat at the checkpoint.