The bystander who was struck during a Secret Service-involved shooting near the White House last month has been identified as a soldier.
The 25-year-old victim, Benjamin Del Real, was shot near a Secret Service checkpoint on May 23. He was touring Washington as the gunfight broke out. It remains unclear if he was wounded by a bullet fired by the now-deceased suspect or a Secret Service agent.
Clifford Law Office, the Chicago-based law firm representing Del Real, provided its client’s identity to NBC4 Washington.
“At this time, we are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident and gathering all available facts,” attorney Joseph Murphy said in a statement Friday. “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. Our primary focus remains on our client’s recovery and well-being. As additional information becomes available, we intend to provide further updates.”
Del Real is still recovering from his injuries after they required surgery, according to the law firm. He was reportedly in critical condition after the shooting.
Based on information from multiple sources, the local news outlet that reported the story understands Del Real may have been shot in the abdomen.
The Secret Service has not confirmed whether the soldier was shot by the suspect or an agent returning fire.
Nasire Best, a 21-year-old Maryland resident, started the shooting on a Saturday evening after pulling his weapon from a bag. Agents fired back and killed him. About 20 to 30 gunshots were heard by reporters gathered on the White House North Lawn that night.
The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating the incident.
Best had a documented history of run-ins with police and exhibited mental health problems. He had a previous encounter with the Secret Service in July 2025 when he approached the White House, claiming to be Jesus Christ. He was arrested then.
SUSPECT IN SHOOTING NEAR WHITE HOUSE IDENTIFIED AS 21-YEAR-OLD MALE: REPORT
At the time of the shooting, President Donald Trump was at the White House. He was not injured.
The incident happened weeks after a gunman allegedly intended to target Trump and others at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner in late April. Cole Allen, 31, was quickly apprehended before he could get into the Washington Hilton ballroom, where the press event was being held. The WHCA dinner has been rescheduled for July 24, this time at the Waldorf Astoria.