Gunman who opened fire near White House had previous run-ins with law enforcement

Added: 2026-05-25

[00:00:00]Tonight, we're learning more about the deadly shooting near the White House yesterday. ABC's Ike Ejachi has more on what we know about the suspect.

[00:00:10]Let's go. Let's go. Let's go. 91, we're calling for shooting at 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue near the White House. Authorities in Washington, D.C.

[00:00:19]are investigating shots fired near the White House Saturday. Multiple rounds ringing out.

[00:00:24]>> President Trump has said a deal is close, only for the two sides to remain far apart.

[00:00:29]Just after 6:00 p.m., ABC's Selina Wang was on the North Lawn about to go live for World News Tonight when they heard what sounded like gunshots and immediately took cover, sprinting to the White House briefing room just steps away.

[00:00:43]>> [screaming] >> Law enforcement barricading the surrounding area. The Secret Service tells ABC News a man approached a security checkpoint just outside the White House, took out a gun, and fired shots at officers. Officers firing back, killing the individual. Secret Service personnel were not injured, but a bystander was struck by gunfire. Police have identified the suspect as 21-year-old Nasir Best from Maryland.

[00:01:09]Authorities say he had a history of incidents involving the White House. He was detained and involuntarily committed for a mental evaluation. A month later, he was arrested after an attempt to enter a White House checkpoint, telling officers he was Jesus Christ and wanted to get arrested. According to court records, Best was ordered to stay away from the White House grounds. I think the Secret Service personnel are rising to the occasion despite the challenges.

[00:01:33]Um the White House has some standard uh reaction plans under their uh White House incident notification system when incidents happen, so they're prepared for events. At the time of the shooting, President Trump was working with aides in the Oval Office. A senior administration official says he's fine.

[00:01:48]Just weeks ago, the president was evacuated following a shooting incident at the White House Correspondents Dinner. Ike Ejachi, ABC News.