An off-duty U.S. Secret Service employee was robbed at gunpoint in Tustin, California, on Saturday night while President Biden was in the state for a high-profile Los Angeles fundraiser. According to Secret Service spokesman Anthony Guglielmi, the incident occurred as the Secret Service member returned from a work assignment.
During the robbery, the Secret Service employee discharged their service weapon, but it remains “unknown if the assailants were struck,” Guglielmi stated. The employee did not sustain any injuries during the incident. The Secret Service has confirmed that the criminal investigation into the robbery is ongoing and active.
A source familiar with the investigation revealed that the Secret Service officer was operating in a support capacity during President Biden’s California trip but was not on duty at the time of the robbery and was not part of the president’s protective detail.
The Tustin Police Department reported that officers responded to a call about the robbery just after 9:30 p.m. and confirmed that the Secret Service employee’s bag was stolen at gunpoint and that an officer-involved shooting had taken place.
As of now, the suspects have not been located, but the police department has stated that there is no known threat to the public. Witnesses reported seeing a 2004-2006 silver Infiniti leaving the area where the robbery occurred, and police are seeking assistance from the public in identifying the perpetrators. Since the incident, officers have recovered some of the victim’s belongings.
The robbery took place while President Biden was attending a star-studded fundraiser in Los Angeles, which included a moderated conversation with former President Obama and appearances by celebrities such as Julia Roberts, Barbra Streisand, Sheryl Lee Ralph, George Clooney, Jason Bateman, and Jimmy Kimmel. The event raised a record $30 million for the Democratic Party over the weekend.
The incident highlights the ongoing risks faced by law enforcement personnel, even when they are not on active duty. It also underscores the importance of maintaining a high level of vigilance and security during high-profile political events, such as the fundraiser attended by President Biden.
As the investigation into the robbery continues, the Secret Service and local law enforcement agencies will work together to apprehend the suspects and ensure the safety of all personnel involved in protecting the president and other high-ranking government officials.
CBS
