According to US authorities, the suspect in the shooting near the White House had shown signs of mental instability in the middle of last year.
CBS, citing US security forces, reported that the suspect in the shooting targeting US Secret Service agents guarding the White House on May 23rd was identified as Nasire Best, 21, from the community of Dundalk, Maryland. He had previously caused disturbances outside the White House in June 2025.
According to documents obtained by CBS, in the middle of last year, Best declared to US Secret Service agents that he “was Jesus and wanted to be arrested.” He was subsequently taken for a psychiatric evaluation.
A month later, Best attempted to infiltrate the White House again. This time, Secret Service agents apprehended him and charged him with unlawful entry into federal property in Washington, D.C. At trial, the judge ruled that Best should stay away from federal government buildings.
On May 23rd, Best appeared at the intersection of 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, “carrying a revolver and firing at the Secret Service guard post outside the White House.” Security personnel immediately returned fire and neutralized him.
The shootout between Best and the Secret Service also resulted in a passerby being injured. The latest information from U.S. security agencies indicates that the victim underwent surgery on May 23rd and is now in stable condition.
