Gunman claiming to be Jesus shot dead by Secret Service outside White House

A tense standoff unfolded outside the White House on May 23, 2026, when a 21-year-old man opened fire on a security checkpoint. Secret Service agents responded swiftly, neutralizing the gunman, identified as Nasire Best of Maryland.

Investigations revealed that Best had a documented history of mental illness and had previously claimed to be Jesus Christ. He was already on the Secret Service's radar due to prior threats against law enforcement and multiple violations of court orders, including an arrest for trespassing in a restricted area near the White House in July 2025.

The incident raised questions about security protocols, as an individual with a known history of concerning behavior and on a watchlist managed to approach a sensitive security zone with a firearm. The Secret Service stated that President Trump, who was inside the White House at the time, was not affected and was briefed on the situation.

During the exchange of gunfire, an innocent bystander was struck by a bullet and is in critical condition. Authorities are currently investigating whether the bystander was hit by the gunman's shots or by a ricochet. The incident prompted a lockdown of the area for approximately 40 minutes.

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The Secret Service responded swiftly, neutralizing the gunman.