WASHINGTON — An active-duty military member injured during a shootout near the White House last month continues receiving medical care and has hired legal representation, according to his law firm.
The injured individual, named as Benjamin Del Real, has had surgery and is healing from his wounds, his attorney, Joseph Murphy, announced in a statement.
Pam Menaker, communications partner at Clifford Law Offices, revealed Del Real is 25 years old and has served in the Army for three years. His military position is private first class. Menaker stated through email that Del Real has been getting therapy at a location that has not been disclosed.
Del Real was in the vicinity of the White House on May 23 when he suffered serious injuries during gunfire that erupted when an individual approached Secret Service personnel at a security station near the White House and opened fire. The shooter, named as Nasire Best, 21, died in the incident.
Based on District of Columbia court documents, Best was taken into custody in July 2025 following his attempt to access a separate White House checkpoint without permission, failed to follow officers’ directions to halt, “claimed he was Jesus Christ” and expressed he wanted to be detained.
Washington television station NBC4 cited multiple sources in stating that Del Real was struck by Secret Service personnel. Both the Metropolitan Police Department and the Secret Service refused to comment on that account.
During a public safety briefing in Washington, D.C., this summer, interim Police Chief Jeffery Carroll stated the ballistics results were not completed to establish who had shot the bystander. He noted Del Real was touring the city as a visitor when the shooting occurred.
Metropolitan Police Internal Affairs is examining the shooting and will provide its conclusions to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Murphy, a former Army officer, stated in the announcement that the law firm was examining the situation as well “and gathering all available facts. 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.”
