A U.S. Secret Service agent, part of Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen’s protective team, fired their weapon early Tuesday morning.
Secret Service agent fires shots
The agent, who was not named, discharged their weapon after encountering a group of carjackers trying to break into vehicles near Yellen’s Washington, D.C. residence.
Despite firing off several rounds, “there is currently no evidence to indicate anyone was struck,” according to the Secret Service.
Reports indicate the group fled in a car shortly after the incident. The agency confirmed Yellen was neither in danger nor harmed during the event.
The gunfire was reported in Washington’s northwest area around 1:30 a.m., according to the agency’s statement.
“The agent “observed a sedan with multiple occupants who were attempting to open car doors along the street,” USSS Chief Communications Officer Anthony Guglielmi commented.
“As the sedan approached the agent, a confrontation occurred between the agent and the car’s occupants,” Guglielmi added. “The agent discharged their service weapon.”
After the suspects sped off in the vehicle, local law enforcement was immediately alerted.
The shooting, as officials stated, will undergo investigations by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Washington
Metropolitan Police Department, though the Metropolitan PD declined to issue a formal statement.
Secret service agent shoots at carjackers
The shooting is eerily similar to an incident involving the agents who were protecting President Joe Biden’s granddaughter, Naomi Biden Neal, in November 2022.
The agents on her protection detail discharged their weapon at individuals allegedly tampering with an unattended government vehicle outside her Georgetown home.
“There was no threat to any protectees and the incident is being investigated by the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department and the Secret Service,” Guglielmi said at the time.
Two teenagers, 19-year-old Robert Kemp and an unnamed 14-year-old boy, were arrested in February, after their a Toyota Corolla used as the getaway car was located.
Police discovered several items stolen from the Secret Service’s black Ford Expedition, including a protective vest and night-vision goggles.
Their identities were discovered through fingerprints lifted off a McDonald’s bag, along with the GPS monitor that the 14-year-old was wearing at the time.
The young thief was tied a group that carjacked three ride share drivers at gunpoint and was charged with three counts of armed carjacking.
Kemp was charged with with unauthorized use of a vehicle – the Toyota Carolla – and theft for the items taken from the Secret Service vehicle
Dem staffer arrested
Meanwhile, a separate arrest made waves on Capitol Hill on Monday, when a Democrat lawmaker’s employee tried to smuggle ammunition into his workplace.
Capitol Police detained Michael Hopkins, 38, a staffer for Rep. Joe Morelle (D-NY), on Monday morning.
Hopkins was caught attempting to enter the Cannon House Office Building with ammunition in his bag.
A U.S. Capitol Police statement explained, “At about 8:45 a.m., a House staffer entered the Cannon House Office Building and put his bag through screening,” and ammunition appeared on the x-ray screen.
“After a hand search of the bag, officers found four ammunition magazines and eleven rounds of ammunition. The staffer told the officers that he forgot the ammunition was in the bag,” the statement continued.
Hopkins reportedly claimed he had forgotten the ammunition was stashed in his belongings.
He is now facing charges tied to unlawful ammunition possession, including holding a high-capacity magazine.
Representative Morelle’s office was quick to respond, stating, “As Ranking Member of the Committee on House Administration, Congressman Morelle is devoted to ensuring a safe and secure workplace for all.”
Shortly after the incident, Hopkins was dismissed from his position.
“In response to this morning’s incident, Mr. Hopkins is no longer employed by Representative Morelle’s office effective immediately,” Jo Stiles, Chief of Staff to Rep. Morelle, commented.
