A member of the U.S. Secret Service detail protecting former First Lady Jill Biden unintentionally discharged his weapon into his own leg Friday morning at Philadelphia International Airport, according to federal authorities who characterized the event as a “negligent discharge” during a protection operation.
The agent sustained injuries that were not life-threatening around 8:42 a.m. as he was manipulating his service firearm close to Terminal C of the airport. Biden was present at the airport but was not in the vicinity when the shooting happened, and no additional people were injured.
“On Friday morning just after 8:30, an on-duty U.S. Secret Service Special Agent suffered a non-life-threatening injury following a negligent discharge while handling a service weapon at the Philadelphia International Airport during a protective assignment,” said Anthony Guglielmi, Secret Service spokesperson.
Philadelphia Police stated that initial reports suggested the agent was riding in an unmarked Chevrolet SUV close to the 1 PIA Way access point when his firearm went off. An eyewitness told CBS News Philadelphia that the agent seemed to be trying to get back into one of the SUVs when the weapon fired. The shooting took place outside the Pennsylvania Tower, next to Terminal C, one of the airport’s principal terminals mainly handling American Airlines domestic operations.
Additional law enforcement personnel rapidly arrived to help the wounded agent on site. He was given preliminary medical care at the airport prior to being taken to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, where he was reported in stable condition.
Secret Service spokesman Nate Herring verified the former first lady’s security was never jeopardized, stating that there was “no impact to the protectee’s movement” and she was not present when the discharge occurred. No other individuals sustained injuries, and the agent continued receiving medical evaluation at an area hospital.
The Secret Service’s Office of Professional Responsibility will conduct a comprehensive review of the circumstances surrounding the incident. Such reviews are standard protocol when firearms are discharged outside of authorized training or operational circumstances. The investigation will examine how the weapon was being handled, whether proper safety protocols were followed, and what led the agent to manipulate the firearm in the vehicle.
Airport authorities verified that activities proceeded normally throughout the event. No flights experienced delays or diversions, and travelers faced no interruptions to their travel schedules. Philadelphia International Airport, one of the nation’s busiest airports, served more than 30 million passengers in 2024 and operates as a major hub for American Airlines.
The incident underscores the demanding conditions facing Secret Service personnel, who maintain around-the-clock protection details for current and former government officials. In 1965, Congress authorized lifetime Secret Service protection for former presidents and their spouses under Public Law 89-186. President Barack Obama reinforced this in 2013 when he signed the Former Presidents Protection Act, restoring lifetime protection after a 1994 law had limited coverage to ten years.
The former first lady’s office declined to comment on Friday’s incident.
The accidental discharge represents a rare public safety incident involving Secret Service personnel during protective operations. Such negligent discharges typically trigger immediate administrative review and may result in disciplinary action or additional training requirements depending on the investigation’s findings. The agency has faced increased scrutiny in recent years following high-profile security challenges.
Biden concluded her tenure as first lady in January 2025 when President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance took office. Despite no longer holding the position, she retains Secret Service protection as the spouse of former President Joe Biden under federal law. The protection remains in effect unless she declines it or remarries.
The injured agent’s identity has not been publicly released, consistent with Secret Service policy regarding personnel involved in security incidents. The agency stated the agent is receiving appropriate medical care while the investigation proceeds.
Philadelphia police confirmed they assisted at the scene but deferred investigative authority to the Secret Service, as the incident involved a federal agent performing official duties. The Philadelphia Police Department documented the incident for their records but did not pursue independent charges.
The incident occurred during a challenging week at Philadelphia International Airport, where Transportation Security Administration staffing levels have been affected by an ongoing partial government shutdown, resulting in three security checkpoints being temporarily closed.
