WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Secret Service has confirmed that its agents fired shots during an attempted break-in while protecting President Joe Biden’s granddaughter, Naomi Biden. The incident took place in Washington’s Georgetown neighborhood before midnight, with two or three potential suspects fleeing the scene. The agency has issued a bulletin to other Secret Service units, and the D.C. Metropolitan Police are now investigating the matter.
According to officials, the agents noticed the suspects breaking into their unoccupied vehicle, prompting them to open fire. However, it is believed that none of the suspects were injured, and they managed to escape in a red vehicle. The Secret Service emphasized that no protectees were in danger during the incident, though further investigation is ongoing.
Carjackings and car thefts have seen a significant increase in Washington this year, with over 750 reported carjackings and more than 6,000 stolen vehicle cases. This surge in violent crime has caused concern, especially as the district has experienced a rise of more than 40 percent in overall violent crime compared to last year. Representatives and staffers in the city have also fallen victim to assaults and carjackings in recent months.
Naomi Biden, a 29-year-old lawyer and the daughter of President Biden’s son Hunter has yet to provide a statement on the incident. As of now, it is unclear whether she was present during the attempted carjacking or the Secret Service’s response. The White House has also not commented on the matter.
The Secret Service has not released any additional information at this time. Concerns about crime in Washington have prompted discussions about the need for more law enforcement resources and reforms to address the situation. In September, the city reached a record-breaking 200 murders for the year.
As the investigation into this attempted break-in continues, the Secret Service and local authorities are focused on maintaining the safety of those under protection and addressing the rising crime rates in the nation’s capital.