The man who opened fire near the White House on Saturday had reportedly posted disturbing messages online in the past. According to CNN, he called himself “the real” Osama bin Laden and also allegedly threatened US President Donald Trump on social media.
Reports identified the suspect as 21-year-old Nasire Best. However, authorities have not officially confirmed his identity yet.
Secret Service Shot Gunman Dead
The shooting happened outside the White House while Trump was inside the building. Officials said the suspect opened fire at a security checkpoint before Secret Service agents shot him during the exchange of gunfire.
Authorities said law enforcement agencies already knew about the suspect because of several previous incidents near the White House.
Suspect Had Earlier Encounters With Police
Court records cited in reports said Best was “known to the Secret Service”. He had reportedly walked around the White House complex several times and asked officers questions about entering through different access points.
Investigators later reviewed his social media activity. They reportedly found posts in which he called himself “the real” Osama bin Laden. Authorities also found at least one post that allegedly showed a desire to harm Trump.
Osama bin Laden founded Al-Qaeda, the terror group behind several major attacks, including the September 11 attacks in the United States.
Authorities have identified the suspect involved in the shooting near the White House as 21 year old Nasire Best. pic.twitter.com/DA1tSPKgeQ
— 🅽🅴🆁🅳🆈 Investigates Investigators (@Nerdy_Addict) May 24, 2026
Claimed to Be ‘God’ and ‘Jesus Christ’
According to the New York Post, authorities took Best for a mental health evaluation in June 2025 after he allegedly blocked vehicles near the White House. A month later, he reportedly entered a restricted area despite warning signs. Officers stopped him during that incident.
Court documents said Best claimed he was “God” and “Jesus Christ”. He also reportedly told officers he wanted to be arrested. After the incident, a judge ordered him to stay away from the White House complex.
Officials described him as emotionally disturbed. However, authorities said they had never previously seen him carrying weapons or acting violently.
JUSZNEWS could not independently verify these reports.
How the Shooting Happened
The shooting took place near 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW shortly after 6 pm local time. Reports said the suspect carried a revolver and paced “in a strange manner” before approaching a White House checkpoint around 6:10 pm.
He reportedly fired three shots before Secret Service agents returned fire. At least one bystander suffered serious injuries during the gunfight. No Secret Service officers were injured. Authorities rushed the suspect to George Washington Hospital, where he later died.
White House Went Into Lockdown
Security officials placed the White House under lockdown for around 30 minutes after the shooting. Journalists inside the complex moved to secure locations after hearing gunfire. ABC News correspondent Selina Wang said reporters heard what sounded like “dozens of gunshots” and were told to run into the press briefing room for safety.
Officials later confirmed that Trump was unharmed. Authorities briefed him about the incident soon afterward. The FBI and Metropolitan Police are assisting the Secret Service in the investigation.
Trump Thanks Security Agencies
On Truth Social, Trump thanked the Secret Service and law enforcement agencies for their “swift and professional action”.
“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…” - President Donald J. Trump pic.twitter.com/PCfmZgSC1w
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) May 24, 2026
Trump said the suspect had a “violent history” and a “possible obsession” with the White House. He also confirmed that Secret Service agents killed the gunman after an exchange of gunfire near the White House gates.
“This event is one month removed from the White House Correspondents’ Dinner shooting, and goes to show how important it is, for all future Presidents, to get, what will be, the most safe and secure space of its kind ever built in Washington, D.C. The National Security of our Country demands it,” Trump said.