White House Shooter Once Called Himself 'Real Osama Bin Laden', Expressed Wish To Harm Trump: Report

Last Updated:May 24, 2026, 17:48 IST

Nasire Best was reportedly involved in several encounters with the Secret Service, including an incident in June 2025 where he blocked an entry lane at the White House.

Dramatic scenes unfolded near a security checkpoint outside the White House as a 21-year-old gunman opened fire at officers, prompting Secret Service personnel to return fire and kill him.

The suspect was identified as Nasire Best from Maryland, who had previous encounters with the Secret Service, CNN reported, citing sources. Best was reportedly involved in an incident in June 2025, in which he blocked an entry lane at the White House.

According to multiple media reports, Best had a documented history of mental health issues and had previously come to the attention of the US Secret Service. He was reportedly detained again on July 10, 2025, for entering a restricted area.

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Best Called Himself ‘Real Osama Bin Laden’

While investigating Best’s previous encounters, officials discovered Best had made various statements on social media, including claiming he was “the real" Osama bin Laden, and at least one post indicating his desire to harm Trump, CNN reported.

The New York Post, citing sources, reported that Best was believed to be mentally troubled and allegedly thought he was “Jesus Christ." The report further claimed that he had violated a previous court order directing him to stay away from the White House complex.

What Happened Outside White House?

On Sunday, Best pulled a weapon from his bag and fired at a security checkpoint near the White House at 6 pm ET. US President Donald Trump was inside the White House when the shooting occurred.

Members of the press corps on the North Lawn were rushed into the White House briefing room, where they were told to shelter in place as Secret Service agents shouted “get down" and warned of “shots fired." Several journalists were seen running for cover.

The shooting comes nearly a month after an attempted assassination of Trump during the annual White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner at a Washington hotel. It was the third time in the past month that gunfire has broken out near the president.

Officials confirmed that one bystander was also injured during the shooting. Investigators are still trying to determine how the person was hit.

News world White House Shooter Once Called Himself 'Real Osama Bin Laden', Expressed Wish To Harm Trump: Report

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