A US Secret Service agent accidentally shot himself while on duty during an assignment involving former first Lady Jill Biden, officials said.
The incident occurred while agents were providing security as Jill Biden was being escorted during an official movement. According to authorities, the agent’s firearm discharged unintentionally, causing a self-inflicted injury.
Emergency response teams at the scene provided immediate medical assistance. The agent was then taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. He was at Philadelphia International Airport when the “negligent discharge” occurred, and he was treated for a non‑life‑threatening leg injury before being taken to a hospital in stable condition.
The Secret Service confirmed that the shooting was accidental and happened while the agent was performing his duties. No other individuals were injured in the incident, and Jill Biden was not harmed.
Security operations continued without interruption, and Jill Biden's schedule was not affected. The agency has not released the identity of the agent involved.
The Secret Service has launched an internal investigation to determine how the firearm discharged. Such reviews are standard procedure in cases involving accidental weapon use by federal agents.
The Secret Service is responsible for protecting the president, the vice president, and their families, as well as other high-profile officials. Agents receive extensive training in firearms safety and operational protocols. They work for the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and trace their roots back to 1865 when they were created to combat counterfeit money. Today they investigate financial and cyber crimes, protect key leaders and events, and operate specialised units including Uniformed Division officers for security at the White House and other sites.
