A May 23 shooting near the White House has been officially declared an assassination attempt on President Donald Trump by the US Department of Justice. The attacker, identified as Nasire Best, was killed after exchanging gunfire with Secret Service agents at a checkpoint northwest of the White House. President Trump was inside the residence during the incident but unharmed, later linking the event to a previous shooting at the White House Correspondents' Dinner. Court documents reveal the 21-year-old suspect had previously obstructed a White House entry lane in June 2025 and claimed to be Jesus Christ to Secret Service agents. This marks the third violent incident targeting Trump's vicinity in two years, raising significant security concerns. Huanqiu+3
The Secret Service and FBI immediately secured the area, deploying additional snipers and blocking surrounding streets. Journalists were evacuated to a secure briefing room, and National Guard units assisted with perimeter security. The White House was temporarily locked down during the incident near 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW. Authorities confirmed Best had been under surveillance after previous attempts to breach White House security, including his June 2025 obstruction incident. The Guardian+3
Nasire Best fired multiple shots toward Secret Service personnel and allegedly attempted to murder the president, his family, and staff before being fatally wounded. One bystander was seriously injured but remained in stable condition after surgery. No law enforcement personnel were injured. Best later died in the hospital after repeating his claim to be "Jesus Christ" during the attack. The New York Times+3
Journalists including a TV reporter unintentionally recorded the gunfire during live coverage. President Trump later confirmed the assassination attempt, noting the shooter's history of threats and mental health issues. The press corps was evacuated during an ongoing briefing when shots were heard. Multiple videos captured the chaotic scene near the presidential residence as the attacker fired toward the White House. Der Spiegel+3
Authorities are investigating motives, with court records revealing Best's prior attempt to enter White House grounds last year and his mental health history. The FBI and Secret Service continue analyzing the incident near the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. Best had previously been detained for mental evaluations but had no recorded violent history before this attack. SBS News+3