The suspect who fired shots outside the White House on Saturday, later identified as Nasire Best, had a history of previous encounters with the Secret Service, according to court documents. Best was killed by Secret Service officers after he discharged a firearm near a checkpoint, wounding a bystander.

This latest incident raises questions about how Best was able to re-engage with authorities at such a sensitive location after prior interactions. The events unfolded just after 6:00 PM EST on Saturday, causing alarm among reporters filming nearby who were forced to take cover.

Court documents obtained by the BBC reveal that in June 2025, Best obstructed a White House entry lane and told Secret Service agents he was Jesus Christ. Following this incident, he underwent a mental evaluation. Despite this, he again attempted to access the White House just a month later in July.

During the July 2025 encounter, Best was arrested by Secret Service agents and charged with unlawfully entering federally controlled property. He was released after an arraignment, but failed to appear for a status hearing in August 2025. This led to a no-bond bench warrant being issued for his arrest.

Less than a year after the warrant was issued, Best was back at the White House on Saturday. He allegedly began firing at a Secret Service checkpoint located at the intersection of 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW, close to the Eisenhower Executive Office Building.

Secret Service officers on duty responded to the gunfire, shooting and killing Best. He was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. A bystander sustained injuries during the shooting, though the Secret Service has not provided further details on their condition. No Secret Service officers were injured.

President Donald Trump, who was at the White House at the time of the shooting, was unharmed. He later posted on social media, thanking the Secret Service and law enforcement for their "swift and professional action."

This event follows another security incident at the White House just last month, when a gunman opened fire during the White House Correspondents' Dinner, leading to the event's abrupt end and the President being escorted away by security.