Gunman Claiming to Be Jesus Christ Opens Fire Near White House Before Secret Service Ends Rampage [WATCH]

A violent and surreal scene unfolded Saturday night outside the White House when a gunman who bizarrely claimed to be Jesus Christ opened fire on a checkpoint before being brought down by the lightning quick response of the United States Secret Service.

The man, identified as twenty one year old Nasire Best, was known to authorities and had previously been warned to stay away from the premises.

According to law enforcement sources, Best began pacing back and forth along 17th Street Northwest, drawing attention from nearby agents.

At approximately 6:10 p.m., he pulled out a revolver and fired several rounds toward the checkpoint.

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Federal officers immediately returned fire, ending the threat in seconds.

One bystander was struck and seriously wounded in the exchange.

Investigators say Best had a history of mental instability and repeated run ins with the Secret Service.

He had already been arrested for unlawful entry near the White House in July after breaching a pedestrian checkpoint.

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In that previous encounter, he had been involuntarily committed to psychiatric care following erratic behavior and delusional statements about being Jesus Christ.

According to court records, Best told officers in that earlier incident that he wanted to be arrested.

That disturbing declaration appears tragically prophetic now that his confrontation ended in a hail of gunfire near the heart of American power.

WATCH:

In a statement posted on X, FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that federal agents were on scene supporting the Secret Service investigation.

“FBI is on the scene and supporting Secret Service responding to shots fired near White House grounds,” Patel wrote.

“We will update the public as we’re able.”

FBI is on the scene and supporting Secret Service responding to shots fired near White House grounds – we will update the public as we’re able

— FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) May 23, 2026

The FBI’s rapid deployment underscored how seriously federal authorities treat any security breach at the Executive Mansion.

The sudden gunfire sent shockwaves through the press corps gathered nearby.

Reporters were forced to dive for cover and sprint toward safe areas as shots echoed across the north lawn.

“I was in the middle of taping on my iPhone for a social video from the White House North Lawn when we heard the shots,” said ABC correspondent Selina Wang.

“It sounded like dozens of gunshots. We were told to sprint to the press briefing room where we are holding now.”

I was in the middle of taping on my iPhone for a social video from the White House North Lawn when we heard the shots. It sounded like dozens of gunshots. We were told to sprint to the press briefing room where we are holding now. pic.twitter.com/iqdQwh4soq

— Selina Wang (@selinawangtv) May 23, 2026

The White House was immediately placed under lockdown, with reporters and staff instructed to shelter in place.

The lockdown was lifted roughly half an hour later once agents confirmed there was no continuing threat.

The timing of the shooting was notable, coming less than two hours after President Trump announced on Truth Social that he was in the Oval Office working on a peace deal with Iran.

Secret Service officials later confirmed that Best was shot and killed by members of the Uniformed Division, who acted swiftly to neutralize the attacker before he could cause more harm.

Their actions prevented what could have been a catastrophic assault on the most heavily guarded residence in the country.

Saturday’s attack was just the latest in a string of troubling incidents targeting areas associated with President Trump.

Only a month earlier, shots were fired during the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner where Trump was in attendance.

In July, the president survived an assassination attempt during a campaign rally, suffering a minor injury to his ear.

Lawmakers from both parties condemned the violence, though conservatives were quick to highlight the bravery of law enforcement.

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson praised the Secret Service for its decisive action.

“Brave Secret Service agents took quick, decisive action to protect President Trump, and our prayers are with victims of tonight’s senseless shooting for a speedy recovery,” Johnson said.

Representative Cory Mills of Florida echoed that sentiment, stating, “There is no place in America for political violence, and every leader should be condemning it unequivocally.”

Even Democratic Representative Betty Column issued a call for restraint, urging Americans to settle differences at the ballot box rather than through violence.

President Trump later took to Truth Social to express gratitude for the rapid response of law enforcement.

“Thank you to our great Secret Service and Law Enforcement for the swift and professional action taken this evening against a gunman near the White House, who had a violent history and possible obsession with our Country’s most cherished structure,” he wrote.

The president also renewed his call for the construction of a more secure presidential compound, saying the safety of future leaders depends on it.

The tragic episode has reignited concern about the escalating wave of domestic violence directed toward political figures.

Yet in this case, it appears authorities had been aware of the shooter’s pattern of instability but lacked the tools or will to keep him away from the White House grounds.

With tensions already high in an election year, the incident served as a reminder that America’s seat of government remains a target for disturbed individuals and political extremists alike.

Fortunately, the Secret Service once again demonstrated why their training and preparedness are second to none when it comes to defending the commander in chief.

As Washington shook off another night of chaos just outside the gates of power, many were left to wonder how long the system can endure this rising tide of violence that seems to shadow every move of the Trump presidency.

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