In a late-night incident on Sunday, Secret Service agents assigned to protect President Joe Biden’s granddaughter, Naomi Biden, opened fire when three individuals attempted to break into an unmarked Secret Service vehicle in the Georgetown neighborhood of Washington, D.C., according to an anonymous law enforcement official.
The agents were accompanying Naomi Biden when they observed the trio breaking a window of the parked, unoccupied SUV, the official disclosed. Due to the sensitivity of the ongoing investigation, the official spoke on the condition of anonymity when providing details to The Associated Press on Monday.
During the confrontation, one of the agents discharged their firearm. Fortunately, no injuries were reported as a result of the gunfire, as stated by the Secret Service in an official statement. The three suspects hastily fled the scene in a red car, prompting the Secret Service to issue a regional bulletin to the Metropolitan Police, urging them to be on the lookout for the fleeing vehicle.
This incident occurred against the backdrop of a notable increase in carjackings and car thefts in Washington this year. The Metropolitan Police have recorded over 750 carjackings and more than 6,000 reports of stolen vehicles in the district. Last month, U.S. Representative Henry Cuellar of Texas fell victim to a carjacking near the Capitol, carried out by three armed assailants who made off with his vehicle without causing him physical harm.
Reflecting the broader trend of rising violent crime in the capital city, the crime rate has surged by over 40% compared to the previous year. In February, U.S. Representative Angie Craig of Minnesota experienced a similar incident, enduring an assault in her apartment building that left her with bruises but without serious injury. Washington’s law enforcement agencies continue to grapple with the challenges posed by the escalating crime rates in the city.
