In a recent incident on Saturday night, a US Secret Service member discharged their weapon while being robbed at gunpoint during President Joe Biden’s visit to California for a Hollywood fundraiser.
The Secret Service member was returning from a work assignment in Tustin, California, and fired their service weapon during the robbery, according to USSS spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi. It is unclear if the suspect was hit by the gunfire.
“We are thankful that the employee did not sustain any injuries,” Guglielmi stated.
The attack took place around 9:36 p.m. PT near a residential area, where the suspect stole the Secret Service member’s bag, as reported by the Tustin Police Department. Authorities are currently searching for a silver Infiniti FX35 or a similar vehicle believed to be used by the suspect.
Following a star-studded campaign fundraiser in Los Angeles, which raised over $30 million for Biden’s reelection campaign, the President had returned to his hotel before the incident. The event featured a conversation between Biden and former President Barack Obama, moderated by Jimmy Kimmel, and attended by celebrities such as George Clooney, Julia Roberts, and Barbra Streisand.
While the suspect remains at large, Tustin Police recovered some of the Secret Service employee’s belongings in the area and continue to investigate the incident.
In a similar incident last year, a Secret Service member assigned to protect Naomi Biden, the President’s granddaughter, fired at individuals attempting to break into a US government vehicle in Washington, DC. Two suspects were later charged in connection to that break-in.
CORRECTION: This story has been updated to correct the spelling of Barbra Streisand’s first name.
CNN’s Arlette Saenz and Adrienne Winston contributed to this report.
