A U.S. Secret Service agent was the victim of an armed robbery in Tustin, California, while President Joe Biden was visiting the state.
According to Breitbart News, the incident occurred as the agent was returning from a work assignment, raising concerns about security during the president’s visit.
The robbery took place on Saturday evening in the Tustin Fields I residential community. The Tustin Police Department (TPD) issued a press release on Monday detailing the event. According to the TPD, the agent's bag was stolen at gunpoint, and a shooting occurred during the incident.
Law enforcement officials reported that the Secret Service agent discharged their service weapon during the robbery. It remains unclear whether any of the suspects were injured. The suspects have not been located, and some of the victim’s belongings have been recovered in the area.
The U.S. Secret Service confirmed that the agent was returning from a work assignment when the robbery happened. Fortunately, the agent did not sustain any injuries during the incident. The TPD continued to investigate the case, and a 2004-2006 silver Infiniti FX35 or similar vehicle was seen leaving the scene.
During the weekend of the incident, President Joe Biden was in California for a series of events, including a fundraiser in Los Angeles. The event was attended by former President Barack Obama and celebrities such as George Clooney, Julia Roberts, and Jimmy Kimmel. Biden returned to his hotel in Los Angeles shortly before 9:00 p.m. on the night of the robbery.
The Tustin Police Department released a statement detailing their response to the robbery call:
On Saturday, June 15, 2024 at approximately 9:36 p.m., Tustin Police Officers responded to a call of a possible robbery that just occurred at the Tustin Fields I residential community. On arrival, officers discovered the victim was a member of the U.S. Secret Service and his bag was stolen at gunpoint.
The incident has sparked concerns about the safety and security protocols in place during high-profile visits. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities actively seeking any information that could lead to the identification and apprehension of the suspects. The Tustin Police Department is urging anyone with information to come forward.
The Secret Service issued a statement expressing relief that the agent was unharmed:
A member of the U.S. Secret Service was the victim of an armed robbery in Tustin, California late Saturday when returning from a work assignment. The employee discharged their service weapon during the incident but unknown if the assailants were struck. We are thankful that the employee did not sustain any injuries.
President Biden's visit to California included high-security events, and this incident underscores the unpredictable nature of threats faced by those tasked with ensuring the safety of public officials. The Secret Service and local law enforcement agencies are reviewing the incident to enhance future security measures.
The Tustin community remains on alert as the investigation continues. Residents have expressed concern about the armed robbery occurring in a residential area, prompting discussions about increasing neighborhood security. The presence of a potentially armed suspect vehicle in the vicinity has added to these concerns.
A U.S. Secret Service agent was robbed at gunpoint in Tustin, California, while President Joe Biden was visiting the state. The agent discharged their service weapon during the incident, but it is unclear if any suspects were injured.
The suspects remain at large, and the investigation is ongoing. President Biden's visit included a high-profile fundraiser in Los Angeles, highlighting the security challenges faced during such events. The incident has raised awareness about the need for enhanced security protocols to protect both public officials and the communities they visit.
