UNITED STATES: 21 November 2023, Late on a Sunday night in the upscale Georgetown neighborhood, Secret Service agents assigned to protect Naomi Biden, the granddaughter of President Joe Biden, intervened in a potentially dangerous situation. While accompanying Naomi Biden, the agents witnessed three individuals breaking into a parked and unoccupied SUV. Acting swiftly, one of the agents opened fire in an attempt to thwart the threat. Fortunately, no one was injured by the gunfire.
The incident unfolded discreetly, and the Secret Service issued a statement confirming the events. The three suspects quickly 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 suspects and their vehicle.
Due to the sensitive nature of the ongoing investigation, an official spoke to the Associated Press on Monday under the condition of anonymity, highlighting the seriousness of the situation. The Metropolitan Police Department announced on Monday that it would be conducting an investigation into the shooting, a standard procedure for all police-involved incidents in Washington. They emphasized that the “facts and evidence in the case will be independently reviewed by the United States Attorney’s Office,” ensuring transparency and accountability.
The incident comes amid a troubling surge in carjackings and car thefts in Washington this year. The police have reported over 750 carjackings and more than 6,000 stolen vehicles in the district, painting a concerning picture of the city’s rising crime rates. This incident echoes the recent carjacking of U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar of Texas near the Capitol, where he was targeted by three armed assailants. Fortunately, Cuellar was unharmed physically, but the incident added to the growing concerns about safety in the nation’s capital.
Washington has also experienced a significant increase in violent crime, with rates up over 40% compared to the previous year. In February, U.S. Rep. Angie Craig of Minnesota fell victim to an assault in her apartment building, sustaining bruises while managing to escape serious injury. These incidents collectively underscore the challenges faced by both residents and high-profile figures in navigating the city’s evolving security landscape.
