Secret Service Kills Armed Maryland Man in Shooting Outside White House Checkpoint

A 21-year-old Maryland man is dead and a bystander was injured after an exchange of gunfire near a White House security checkpoint on Saturday evening. According to the U.S. Secret Service, officers shot and killed the armed suspect, identified as Nasire Best of Dundalk, Maryland, after he opened fire at a checkpoint near 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW around 6 p.m. on May 23, 2026.

Secret Service officials said Best approached the checkpoint, pulled a weapon from a bag, and began firing at the officers on duty. Officers returned fire, striking Best, who was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. A bystander was also struck by gunfire during the incident, though the Secret Service noted it remains unclear whether the individual was hit by the suspect's initial shots or during the subsequent exchange of gunfire. No Secret Service personnel were injured.

Court records and officials revealed that Best was known to the Secret Service and had a stay-away order from the White House issued on July 11, 2025. That order followed an arrest the previous day when Best allegedly attempted to breach a security checkpoint, told officers he was "Jesus Christ," and stated he wanted to be arrested. He was subsequently involuntarily committed. President Donald Trump was inside the Oval Office working with aides at the time of Saturday's shooting but was not harmed.

The FBI is assisting the Secret Service with the ongoing investigation into the shooting. FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed the agency's involvement, stating that updates will be provided as they become available.