NEWSAR
Multi-perspective news intelligence

Gunman who opened fire near White House was known to Secret Service

3 articles
3 sources
0% diversity
Updated 24.5.2026
Key Topics & People
Nasire Best *United States Secret Service White House Washington, District of Columbia Pennsylvania Avenue NW

Coverage Framing

3
National Security(3)
Avg Factuality:83%
Avg Sensationalism:Moderate

Story Timeline

May 24 Evening

1 articles|1 sources
white house shootingsecret servicegunmanlaw enforcementarrest
National Security(1)
The Guardian - World NewsMay 24

Gunman who opened fire near White House was known to Secret Service

A 21-year-old gunman, identified in media reports as Nasire Best, opened fire outside the White House on Saturday before being shot and killed by Secret Service agents. The suspect was known to the Secret Service, having previously attempted to gain access to the complex last summer and being arrested for unlawful entry and obstructing vehicle entry. He had also been involuntarily committed and issued a stay away order from the White House area. The incident, which briefly locked down the White House, also resulted in a bystander being struck by gunfire. The FBI is assisting in the investigation.

MeasuredFactual4 sources
Negative

Key Claims

factual

Gunman who opened fire near White House was known to the US Secret Service.

— court records

factual

The gunman approached a checkpoint, took a pistol out of a bag, and fired.

— Secret Service

factual

The gunman was previously arrested for unlawful entry and had a 'stay away order' from the White House area.

— court documents

quote

Donald Trump claimed the gunman had 'a violent history' and 'possible obsession' with the White House.

— Donald Trump

factual

A bystander was struck in the exchange, but it's unclear if by suspect or returning fire.

— Secret Service

May 24 Morning

2 articles|2 sources
secret servicewhite housegunman shot deadbystander woundedshooting
National Security(2)
Al JazeeraMay 24

Gunman shot dead by Secret Service agents near White House: What we know

A man identified as 21-year-old Nasire Best was shot and killed by Secret Service agents after opening fire on a security checkpoint near the White House on Saturday evening. Best, who had a documented history of mental health conditions and prior encounters with the Secret Service, approached the checkpoint at 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, produced a weapon, and began shooting at officers. No Secret Service agents were injured, but a bystander sustained a wound. President Trump was in the White House at the time and was not impacted by the incident, which led to a temporary lockdown. Media reports indicate Best had previously attempted to gain access to the White House and had expressed threats.

MeasuredFactual4 sources
Negative
BBC News - WorldMay 24

Suspect killed after opening fire on Secret Service near White House

A suspect, identified as 21-year-old Nasire Best, was killed in an exchange of gunfire with Secret Service agents near the White House on Saturday evening. Best, who had a documented history of mental health issues and had previously attempted to access the White House, approached a checkpoint and opened fire. Secret Service police returned fire, fatally wounding the suspect. One bystander was also injured in the incident, but no Secret Service officers were harmed. The shooting occurred at 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW, near the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, and is currently under investigation.

Mixed toneFactual2 sources
Negative

Key Claims

factual

A man was shot dead by Secret Service agents after opening fire on a security checkpoint near the White House.

— Secret Service

factual

No Secret Service agents were injured, but a bystander was wounded in the exchange of fire.

— Secret Service

factual

President Donald Trump was in the White House during the incident but was not impacted.

— Secret Service

factual

A suspect was killed in an exchange of fire with Secret Service agents near the White House.

— officials

factual

The gunman was identified by US media as Nasire Best, a 21-year-old man with a history of mental health conditions.

— US media