A United States Secret Service agent accidentally shot and wounded himself in the leg while guarding former first lady Jill Biden at Philadelphia International Airport on Friday, March 27.
According to reports, the on-duty agent’s firearm discharged around 8:30 a.m. while assisting with escort duties for the wife of former President Joe Biden at the busy airport.
Officials confirmed that the agent sustained a non-life-threatening injury following what was described as a “negligent discharge” while handling his service weapon.
“There was no impact to the protectee’s movement, and they were not present at the time of the incident,” said Secret Service spokesperson Nate Herring.
No other injuries were reported, and the agent was taken to a hospital where he remains in stable condition.
Authorities revealed that the firearm discharged while the agent was inside an unmarked Chevrolet SUV near the 1 PIA Way access point and the Pennsylvania Tower within the airport premises.
Local law enforcement, including Philadelphia Police Department, alongside other agencies, responded to the scene on Friday morning to secure the area and assist with the situation.
“The Secret Service’s Office of Professional Responsibility will be reviewing the facts and circumstances of this incident,” the spokesperson added.
“We are grateful for our law enforcement and public safety partners who provided medical assistance.”
The incident comes months after another controversy involving a Secret Service agent assigned to protect Vice President JD Vance, who was placed on leave in January after sharing sensitive details of his work with a woman who was secretly recording him.
