Who was Nasire Best, the African American shooter shot near the White House?

The man shot dead this Saturday after opening fire near the White House was identified as Nasire Best, a 21-year-old African American who had previously been involved in multiple incidents related to presidential security in the United States. The episode reignited alarms in Washington due to the repeated attempts to attack the environment of Donald Trump.

According to the U.S. Secret Service, Best arrived armed in the vicinity of the presidential residence and opened fire on a security post . The agents immediately responded to the attack and managed to neutralize him. The young man was taken to George Washington Hospital, where he ultimately died due to the heroic actions of the service.

According to U.S. media such as CNN, Best was already known to federal authorities. In June 2025, he had been arrested after blocking an access lane to the White House, while weeks later he was arrested again for attempting to enter a complex linked to the presidential residence.

The investigations also revealed a concerning history of violent and delusional behavior. On social media, the attacker claimed to be “the real Osama bin Laden” and in other posts claimed to be God. U.S. officials also noted that he had been classified as a person with emotional disorders and even had a restraining order in effect.

The President of the United States, Donald Trump, quickly spoke out after the attack and publicly congratulated the Secret Service for their response. Through Truth Social, he stated that the assailant had “a violent history and a possible obsession” with the White House.

The episode generated moments of extreme tension in Washington. Journalists present in the area reported hearing “dozens of shots” as federal agents quickly evacuated the area. Videos shared on social media showed people running, taking refuge behind vehicles, and a strong police presence around the presidential building.

After the attack, the perimeter of the White House was completely sealed off. The scene showed dozens of evidence markers, emergency medical supplies, and tactical teams rapidly deployed by federal forces.

The attempted attack occurred just weeks after another serious security incident during the annual White House Correspondents' Dinner, where Cole Allen, another African American with delusional beliefs and armed, stormed the vicinity of the event where Trump was present and was neutralized within seconds.