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Gunman Killed at DC Secret Service Checkpoint; Bystander Injured

5/26/2026

24 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Nasire Best opened fire at a Secret Service checkpoint near 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, D.C., on May 23, 2026, and was shot dead by agents.
A bystander was seriously injured and remains in stable condition.
Best previously told agents he was Jesus Christ and was involuntarily committed for mental health evaluation.
A bench warrant was issued after Best missed an August hearing tied to a July 2025 stay-away order.

History

Historical Context

On April 19 1995, Timothy McVeigh and Terry Nichols detonated a truck bomb at the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building, killing 168 people and spurring Congress to harden security around federal sites. The May 23 2026 shooting by Nasire Best at a Secret Service checkpoint near 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue revives those concerns, prompting renewed barriers and stricter screening.

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Story summary

Nasire Best opened fire at a Secret Service checkpoint near 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, D.C., on May 23, 2026, and was shot dead by agents.
A bystander was seriously injured and remains in stable condition.
Best previously told agents he was Jesus Christ and was involuntarily committed for mental health evaluation.
A bench warrant was issued after Best missed an August hearing tied to a July 2025 stay-away order.

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