<p>The man who allegedly opened fire near the White House security perimeter on Saturday evening (US local time) was identified as 21-year-old Nasire Best from Maryland. Best has a documented history of mental health problems and had previously drawn the notice of the US Secret Service, according to many media reports.</p><p>According to the US Secret Service, the incident happened near the White House checkpoint just after 6 p.m. local time when the suspect reportedly took a gun out of a backpack and started firing at security perimeter agents. The suspect was severely hurt by the officers' retaliation, and he subsequently passed away in a hospital. A bystander was also struck during the exchange of gunfire.</p><p>According to sources, US President Donald Trump was inside the White House when the incident occurred but was unharmed. Best was apparently "known to the Secret Service" due to his prior interactions with federal security officers, according to US media sources.</p><p>On June 26, 2025, Best was reportedly arrested by Secret Service agents for allegedly flagging down agents and threatening them, according to Fox News. On July 10, 2025, he was allegedly arrested once more for accessing a prohibited location. According to the New York Post, which cited sources, Best was regarded to be mentally ill and claimed he was "Jesus Christ."</p><p>The incident happened a block from the White House, close to 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW, according to the Associated Press. After hearing several gunshots, journalists working at the White House were told to seek cover within the press briefing room right away. The suspect approached the checkpoint, took a weapon out of his luggage, and started shooting at the officers, according to a subsequent statement from the Secret Service. Officers shot the suspect in retaliation.</p><p>Images from the scene showed a heavy law enforcement presence, yellow crime-scene tape, dozens of evidence markers and emergency medical supplies scattered across the pavement outside the White House complex.</p>