American media outlets have identified the man suspected in the shooting near the White House as Nasir Bast, a 21-year-old from the state of Maryland. Reports indicate that he had previously encountered the U.S. Secret Service several times.
According to released documents, Nasir Bast had previously claimed that he was “Jesus Christ.” In some social media accounts attributed to him, posts were found in which he allegedly threatened Donald Trump, while another post stated: “I am actually the son of God.”
Reports also indicate that he had once been involuntarily admitted to a psychiatric hospital. In another case, he was arrested by local police after introducing himself as “Jesus Christ.”
According to a court affidavit, U.S. Secret Service agents had encountered him several times near the White House during the summer of last year. The document states that he had become a known figure to the Secret Service because he frequently wandered around the White House grounds and asked questions about ways to enter different sections of the complex.
Court records further show that on June 26, 2025, Nasir Bast was again involuntarily hospitalized after blocking vehicle access to part of the White House grounds.
Anthony Guglielmi, head of communications for the U.S. Secret Service, said in a statement that the shooting suspect died after being transferred to the hospital. He explained that shortly after 6 p.m. on Saturday, the suspect pulled a weapon from his bag near 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue and opened fire.
According to him, a bystander was also wounded by gunfire during the incident. Guglielmi emphasized that President Trump was inside the White House at the time of the shooting, but none of the individuals under Secret Service protection nor any protective operations were affected by the incident.
According to the report, the suspect was transferred to George Washington University Hospital, and his death was confirmed hours later by the U.S. Secret Service.
Earlier, Reuters reported, citing a police official, that the suspect was detained and taken to the hospital after the shooting near a security checkpoint around the White House. The official stated that the suspect had fired at security forces, but none of the officers were injured.
Fox News also reported that Secret Service agents shot the suspect after he fired multiple rounds near the western section of the White House. After the operation ended, the White House lockdown was lifted.
In addition, a spokesperson for the U.S. Secret Service told CBS News that the agency was aware of reports regarding the shooting near 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest, and that investigations into the incident are continuing in coordination with officers at the scene.
Writer:Salima Aryaei
