Trump Speaks Out on 'Obsessed' Gunman, Seizes Shooting to Push Security Agenda

President Donald Trump wasted no time addressing the chaos that erupted near the White House on Saturday, as a gunman unleashed gunfire during Memorial Day weekend festivities.

Inside the White House, Trump was knee-deep in emergency discussions about potential war negotiations with Iran when 21-year-old Nasire Best decided to make headlines by opening fire at a checkpoint just a stone's throw from the presidential residence.

Hours after the incident, Trump took to Truth Social, thanking law enforcement for their rapid response while insinuating that this was yet another assassination attempt. He seized the moment to advocate for his controversial $400 million ballroom project, claiming it was essential for "national security."

"Thank you to our great Secret Service and Law Enforcement for the swift and professional action taken this evening against a gunman near the White House, who had a violent history and possible obsession with our Country’s most cherished structure," Trump tweeted around 12:40 a.m. Sunday.

He confirmed that Best was killed in an exchange of gunfire with Secret Service agents, stating, "The gunman is dead after an exchange of gunfire with Secret Service Agents near the White House gates."

Best reportedly opened fire at a checkpoint located at 17th St. and Pennsylvania Ave., prompting an immediate lockdown of the White House. Secret Service agents quickly ushered dozens of journalists on the North Lawn into the press briefing room for safety.

Described as "mentally and emotionally disturbed," Best believed he was Jesus Christ and had a history of severe mental health issues. He had previously been issued a "stay-away" order from a court due to multiple run-ins with law enforcement.

In fact, he had been detained by Secret Service agents twice in the past year—first on June 26, 2025, for making threats and again on July 10, 2025, for trespassing into restricted areas.

Trump didn't shy away from using this incident to bolster his argument for a high-security ballroom at the White House. This comes on the heels of Senate Republicans attempting to cut a $1 billion Secret Service measure from a GOP immigration bill that would fund his ambitious project.

"This event is one month removed from the White House Correspondent’s Dinner shooting, and goes to show how important it is, for all future Presidents, to get what will be the most safe and secure space of its kind ever built in Washington, D.C. The National Security of our Country demands it!" Trump declared.