Secret Service arrests armed man near White House allegedly threatening to kill Trump
A security incident near the White House on May 23, 2026 involved an armed man who opened fire at a Secret Service checkpoint. Officers returned fire, mortally wounding the assailant after he was taken to a local hospital, while a bystander was critically injured. President Trump was inside the White House and unharmed as the complex went into lockdown, and authorities launched a rapid investigation into motives and security lapses. The case mirrors prior concerns after the suspect’s earlier attempts to breach restricted areas in 2025, with officials reviewing social media and communications as part of the inquiry. Further updates are expected as investigators pursue leads and assess security posture.
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Nasire Best, 21, approached a White House security checkpoint on May 23, 2026, and opened fire on Secret Service officers. The officers returned fire, and Best was later pronounced dead at a local hospital.
A bystander was injured during the exchange and remains in critical condition; the incident prompted an immediate White House lockdown and heightened security across the grounds.
President Trump was inside the White House at the time and was unharmed; the Secret Service spokespersons indicated the response was rapid and aimed at preserving the president’s safety and public access areas.
Officials have opened an investigation into the shooting, focusing on the sequence of events at the checkpoint and the effectiveness of the security response. Investigators are also examining Best’s social media activity and communications to identify possible motives.
Best had prior encounters with the Secret Service in June and July of 2025, when he attempted to access restricted areas within the White House complex, prompting ongoing scrutiny of his behavior and potential warning signs.