US officials identify White House gunman as 21-year-old with mental health history

US media, citing security officials, reported that the gunman killed after opening fire near the White House was a 21-year-old man identified as Nasser Best, who had previously been detained for attempting to enter the presidential compound. According to reports by The Washington Post, the suspect was known to the United States Secret Service as a person with mental health problems and a history of violent behavior. Security officials said the suspect had also attempted to approach the White House in July 2025 and was later placed under psychiatric supervision after being detained near the building. The Secret Service said the shooting happened around 6 p.m. local time Saturday when the attacker opened fire near one of the White House security gates using a revolver. US agents returned fire, fatally wounding the suspect, who later died in hospital. Authorities said one bystander was also struck by gunfire, while no security personnel were injured. Donald Trump was reportedly inside the White House during the incident, while journalists outside the complex were forced to seek cover during the exchange of gunfire. Trump later said the attacker had shown signs of “violent behavior” and an “obsession” with the White House, according to posts on his Truth Social platform. Security around the White House has remained under intense scrutiny in recent years following several attempted breaches, armed incidents and threats targeting US government institutions and officials. Mental health experts in the United States have repeatedly warned about rising concerns over untreated psychological disorders, gun violence and security risks linked to individuals with violent histories. The post US officials identify White House gunman as 21-year-old with mental health history appeared first on Khaama Press.