Full Breakdown
Soldier Wounded in White House Shooting: Investigation Ongoing
6/13/2026, 7:30:09 AM
Incident Overview
On May 23 2026, a 21-year-old man, Nasire Best, approached a U.S. Secret Service checkpoint at Pennsylvania Avenue and 17th Street NW, drew a firearm from a bag and opened fire. Secret Service agents returned fire, killing Best. During the exchange, 25-year-old Private First Class Benjamin Del Real, an active-duty U.S. Army soldier touring Washington with his family, was struck. He required abdominal surgery, was treated at George Washington University Hospital and remains in recovery.
Key Figures & Groups
- Benjamin Del Real – U.S. Army Private First Class, wounded by gunfire.
- Nasire Best – 21-year-old suspect, killed by Secret Service fire.
- U.S. Secret Service – Responded to the checkpoint attack; issued statements on the incident.
- Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) – Leads the local investigation and will forward findings to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
- Interim Police Chief Jeffery Carroll – Commented on the status of ballistics analysis.
- Attorney Joseph T. Murphy – Represents Del Real through Clifford Law Offices.
- President Donald Trump – Was in the White House at the time; not injured.
Timeline of Events
- July 2025 – Best attempted to enter a different White House checkpoint, claimed “he was Jesus Christ,” and was arrested.
- June 2025 – Best was involuntarily committed for obstructing vehicle entry to the White House complex.
- May 23 2026 – Shooting at the checkpoint; Best killed, Del Real wounded.
- Summer 2026 – MPD investigation ongoing; ballistics not yet back.
- July 2026 – America 250 celebrations and a rescheduled White House Correspondents’ Association dinner slated for July 24 at the Waldorf Astoria.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- The Secret Service said it “remains unclear whether the bystander was struck by the suspect’s initial gunfire or during the exchange of gunfire.”
- NBC 4 sources, citing video surveillance, reported that Del Real “was hit by Secret Service gunfire.”
- Ballistics analysis has not been completed, leaving the source of the wound undetermined.
Official Statements & Responses
- Secret Service: No officers were injured; the agency has not confirmed the source of the bystander’s wound.
- MPD: Conducting a full investigation and will turn findings over to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
- Chief Carroll: Ballistics have not yet been returned to determine who fired the round that struck Del Real.
- Attorney Murphy: Emphasized that the firm is “investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident and gathering all available facts.”
Criticism & Concerns
Security experts and local officials have noted the proximity of the shooting to a major tourist area and the recent near-miss involving a 15-year-old bystander near the Washington Monument, raising questions about checkpoint protocols and public safety during upcoming large-scale events.
Data & Statistics
- Approximately 20–30 gunshots were heard by reporters on the White House North Lawn.
- Del Real was shot in the abdomen; the exact round remains unidentified.
- The suspect was 21 years old; the victim 25 years old.
Impact and Upcoming Events
The incident occurs weeks before the America 250 celebrations, which are expected to draw large crowds. Authorities are reviewing security measures ahead of the events, and the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner has been rescheduled for July 24 at the Waldorf Astoria.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We will continue to work with the appropriate authorities to determine exactly what occurred and to ensure a full and accurate understanding of the events that led to our client’s severe injuries.” — Joseph T. Murphy, Attorney, Clifford Law Offices
- “It remains unclear whether the bystander was struck by the suspect's initial gunfire or during the exchange of gunfire.” — U.S. Secret Service
- “At this time, we are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident and gathering all available facts.” — Joseph T. Murphy, Attorney, Clifford Law Offices
- “Sources familiar with the investigation told News4 video surveillance reviewed by investigators showed Del Real was hit by Secret Service gunfire.” — Sources familiar with the investigation (NBC 4)
- “claimed he was Jesus Christ” — District of Columbia court records (quote from Nasire Best)
What’s Next
Ballistics testing is pending, and MPD will submit its findings to federal prosecutors. Security reviews are expected ahead of the America 250 festivities, and additional updates from the Secret Service and the law firm representing Del Real are anticipated as the investigation progresses.
