by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Chief International Correspondent
WASHINGTON (Worthy News) – A gunman who opened fire outside the White House over the weekend before being fatally shot by federal agents was already known to the U.S. Secret Service after he previously tried to enter the presidential complex claiming to be “Jesus Christ,” court records showed Sunday.
The suspect, identified by U.S. media reports as 21-year-old Nasire Best, died at a nearby hospital after Saturday evening’s exchange of gunfire near a White House security checkpoint at 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW, authorities said.
The White House was briefly locked down shortly after 6 p.m. local time as the suspect allegedly approached a checkpoint, removed a handgun from a bag, and opened fire, according to the United States Secret Service.
Agents returned fire, fatally wounding the suspect, officials said.
One bystander was also injured in the shooting, though investigators said it remained unclear whether the person was struck by bullets fired by the suspect or by return fire from officers. No Secret Service agents were injured.
TRUMP NOT HARMED
President Donald J. Trump, who was inside the White House at the time, was not harmed. He later described the suspect as having “a violent history” and a “possible obsession” with the White House while praising the “swift and professional action” of law enforcement personnel.
Journalists near the White House reported hearing several gunshots during the chaotic scene. Broadcaster ABC News correspondent Selina Wang later shared dramatic video showing her ducking for cover after hearing what she described as “dozens of gunshots” while recording a report outside the White House grounds.
Court records showed Best had prior encounters with authorities near the White House complex.
According to a 2025 affidavit filed in Washington’s Superior Court, the suspect had repeatedly walked around the White House complex last summer, asking how to gain access through various entry points.
Authorities said he was forcibly admitted to a psychiatric hospital on June 26, 2025, after blocking vehicle access near the White House grounds.
SECRET SERVICE SECURITY CONCERNS
Weeks later, on July 10, 2025, he was arrested again for unlawful entry after allegedly ignoring warning signs and entering a restricted area outside the White House perimeter.
Court documents said Best claimed he was “Jesus Christ” and allegedly told officers he “wanted to get arrested.”
A judge subsequently issued a stay-away order barring him from the White House area pending trial. Media reports later said a bench warrant was issued after he allegedly failed to appear for a later hearing.
U.S. media outlets reported the suspect had a documented history of mental health problems.
CNN and other outlets reported that Best had posted social media messages describing himself as “the son of God,” while law enforcement officials reportedly described him as emotionally disturbed and already known to authorities.
INVESTIGATION AND BIBLICAL WARNINGS
Saturday’s shooting marked the third gunfire-related security scare involving areas near President Trump in roughly a month.
The incident followed a reported attempted assassination attempt during the annual White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner in April and another shooting near the Washington Monument earlier in May.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation said it was assisting the Secret Service and local police in the investigation.
As investigators examined the suspect’s motives and mental condition, Christians could point to Biblical warnings about people falsely claiming Christ’s divine identity.
In Luke 21:8, Jesus says: “See to it that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Do not follow them.”
Copyright 1999-2026 Worthy News. This article was originally published on Worthy News and was reproduced with permission.
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