WASHINGTON. (THECOUNT) — Early Tuesday morning, gunfire erupted near the home of Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen on Stephenson Place NW in Washington, D.C., according to Secret Service Spokesman Anthony Guglielmi. The incident involved a Secret Service special agent and an unidentified group of suspects.
The confrontation occurred around 1:30 a.m. when the agent, who was on a protective assignment, observed a sedan with multiple occupants attempting to open car doors along the street. As the sedan approached, a confrontation ensued, prompting the agent to discharge their service weapon, according to a statement from the Secret Service.
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No Injuries or Threats to Protectees
Authorities confirmed there is no evidence that anyone was struck by the gunfire, and the suspects fled the scene in the sedan. A lookout has been issued to local law enforcement in an effort to locate the vehicle and its occupants.
Guglielmi emphasized that there was no threat to Secretary Yellen or any other protectees during the incident. “No one was harmed,” officials said in their statement.
Investigation Underway
The Metropolitan Police Department’s Internal Affairs Division’s Force Investigation Team is leading the investigation into the officer-involved shooting. Additionally, the United States Attorney’s Office will conduct an independent review of the incident.
Recurring Security Challenges in D.C.
This incident is reminiscent of another high-profile case last year when Secret Service agents protecting President Joe Biden’s granddaughter, Naomi Biden, opened fire after observing three individuals attempting to break into an unmarked Secret Service vehicle in Georgetown. In that case, no injuries were reported, and no one was struck by the gunfire.
As investigations proceed, the Secret Service continues to underscore its commitment to ensuring the safety of its protectees while maintaining accountability and transparency regarding its agents’ actions.
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