Preparedness
Biden Fundraiser Trip Sours as Secret Service Agent Robbed at Gunpoint
In a shocking incident, a U.S. Secret Service agent found himself on the receiving end of a crime he typically works to thwart. The agent was robbed at gunpoint in the quiet residential town of Tustin, southeast of Los Angeles, on a recent Saturday night. This surprising turn of events took place during President Joe Biden’s fundraising visit in Los Angeles.
The agent, who was coming back from duty, faced the harrowing experience in Tustin, which is situated about an hour’s drive from L.A. According to the information revealed by the Secret Service to the Associated Press, the agent was not injured in the incident.
As of Monday, no suspect had been identified in connection with the crime, as per the information divulged by the police to the Associated Press. What’s more, a silver Infiniti FX35 was seen escaping the crime scene.
The Tustin police reported that the agent’s bag was forcefully taken from him at gunpoint. In the course of the incident, the agent discharged his firearm. However, the Secret Service has admitted it remains unclear if anyone was hit by the gunfire. ABC News confirmed that the agent was not on duty when the incident occurred.
According to the AP, the police were informed about the robbery shortly after 9:30 p.m. Upon arrival, officers were able to recover some of the agent’s stolen belongings in the area.
The suspect and the silver Infiniti FX35 were still at large as of Monday, as reported again by police to the Associated Press. The Tustin police have released an image of the suspect’s vehicle to aid in the investigation.
Despite the concerning incident, the police reassured residents that there was no known threat to the public.
The Tustin police department’s revelation of the incident on Facebook sparked a flurry of responses, with many commenters expressing confusion and concern about the incident.
One commenter asked, “So someone, with no description, robs a secret service agent WITH A GUN in a residential area, but there is no threat to the public??? And how does the agent take a shot at someone he can’t describe? He saw the gun. He can’t give the height/build at the least, or voice?”
Another person pointed out an apparent lapse in the agent’s “situational awareness” during the robbery. They went on to express hope that the agent is not a part of a protection detail.
A third person dryly remarked, “Just the people [who are] supposed to keep the president alive.”
One user took this opportunity to offer a sarcastic welcome, saying, “Welcome to California. Hope you enjoyed your visit.”
In a political jibe, another commenter criticized California’s Governor, Gavin Newsom, saying, “Fantastic job, sir.”
Watch a local news report about the incident below:
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