White House Gunman Identified as Nasire Best; Sources Say He Believed He Was Jesus Christ

An armed suspect approached a Secret Service security checkpoint near 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW (outside the White House grounds, around 6 p.m. ET).

By SyndicatedNews Whitehouse | SNN.BZ

A dramatic security incident unfolded outside the White House Saturday evening after authorities say 21-year-old Nasire Best opened fire near a security checkpoint before being fatally shot by members of the United States Secret Service Uniformed Division

According to reporting by the New York Post, Best allegedly fired several rounds from a revolver near 17th Street Northwest at approximately 6:10 p.m. Witnesses described hearing rapid gunfire erupt near the White House perimeter as members of the press and nearby personnel scrambled for cover.

Sources cited by the Post stated that Best had a documented history of mental instability and reportedly believed he was Jesus Christ. The same report indicated he was already known to federal authorities and had allegedly violated a prior court order instructing him to stay away from the White House grounds.

Federal agents responded within seconds, neutralizing the suspect before he was able to breach the White House complex. At least one bystander was reportedly struck and seriously injured during the exchange of gunfire, according to early reports.

The incident immediately triggered a full lockdown around the White House complex. Journalists stationed on the North Lawn were directed by Secret Service agents to run into the press briefing room as officers secured the scene. Senior ABC News White House correspondent Selina Wang described hearing what sounded like “dozens of gunshots” as panic spread across the area.

Kash Patel confirmed that the FBI responded alongside the Secret Service and is assisting in the ongoing investigation. Authorities have not yet released a formal motive, though investigators are expected to examine the suspect’s mental health history and previous contacts with federal agencies.

The lockdown was lifted later in the evening after officials confirmed the threat had been contained. President Donald Trump was reportedly inside the White House complex earlier in the day working with advisors on international matters at the time of the shooting.