Los Angeles, California – A member of the US Secret Service was involved in a harrowing incident on Saturday night while President Joe Biden was in town for a high-profile fundraising event in Hollywood. The agent was robbed at gunpoint in Tustin, about an hour’s drive southeast of Los Angeles. The Secret Service reported that the agent, who was returning from work, was accosted in a residential neighborhood.
Following the robbery, Tustin police were notified by a concerned individual shortly after 9:30 pm. During the confrontation, the agent, fortunately unhurt, discharged their firearm. The Secret Service indicated uncertainty on whether the assailants were struck by gunfire. The robbers made off with the agent’s bag at gunpoint before fleeing the scene.
The agent’s identity remains undisclosed, and as of Monday, Tustin police had not yet apprehended any suspects. However, some of the stolen items were recovered in the vicinity. Law enforcement noted a silver Infiniti FX35 leaving the area. In spite of this unsettling incident, the agent fortunately emerged without injury.
The robbery occurred amidst a star-studded fundraising event in Los Angeles, which saw the likes of Julia Roberts, George Clooney, and Jimmy Kimmel in attendance alongside former President Barack Obama. This event managed to raise more than $30 million for Biden’s re-election campaign, marking a significant milestone in fundraising efforts.
Overall, the Secret Service is grateful that the agent was unharmed during the altercation. The investigation into the robbery is ongoing, with authorities working diligently to ensure the safety and security of all involved. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by those tasked with protecting high-profile individuals, highlighting the challenges of law enforcement in complex and dynamic environments.