UMVA has learned that a disturbing incident unfolded near the White House on Saturday, when a 21-year-old man with a history of encounters with law enforcement and mental health concerns opened fire at a security checkpoint, prompting a swift and deadly response from Secret Service agents.
The gunman, identified as Nasire Best, had previously been known to the United States Secret Service for his erratic behavior around the White House complex, including an incident in July where he claimed to be Jesus Christ and attempted to gain access to a restricted area. Best had also been involuntarily committed in June after obstructing vehicle entry to the complex, and a stay-away order had been requested by officers after his arrest.
According to information obtained by UMVA, Best's troubled past was marked by repeated interactions with the Secret Service, including walking around the White House complex and asking how to gain access at various entry posts. His actions on Saturday, however, were far more sinister, as he approached a checkpoint near 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW, pulled a gun from a bag, and opened fire on Secret Service officers.
The officers returned fire, striking Best, who was taken to a hospital and later died. A bystander was also wounded in the exchange, although it is unclear who fired the round that struck them. Fortunately, no Secret Service agents were injured in the incident, and President Donald Trump, who was inside the White House at the time, was briefed on the shooting and later praised the agents for their swift and professional response.
The shooting has raised concerns about White House security, with Trump calling for increased measures to protect the complex and its occupants. The incident occurred just a month after the White House Correspondent's Dinner shooting, and has highlighted the need for a safe and secure space for future presidents. The FBI and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are assisting the Secret Service and Metropolitan Police Department in the investigation, which is still ongoing.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that the investigation into the shooting is focusing on the motives behind Best's actions, with authorities working to piece together the events leading up to the incident. The White House was briefly placed on lockdown following the shooting, with reporters on the North Lawn rushed into the press briefing room as agents responded with weapons drawn. The lockdown was lifted at 6:46 p.m. ET, but the incident has left many questions unanswered.
