A Secret Service agent assigned to Jill Biden shot himself in the leg while escorting the former first lady through Philadelphia airport.
The agent shot himself in the leg just after 8.30am Friday in while on an assignment to protect Biden, a Secret Service spokesperson said.
He suffered a non-life-threatening injury after what the federal agency described as a ‘negligent discharge while handling a service weapon.’
Biden was not present at the time of the shooting and her movements were not impacted by the incident, the spokesperson added.
A police cordon is in place outside of Terminal C at Philadelphia International Airport, by the American Airlines ticketing desk, the outlet reported.
Officers were seen surrounding a black Chevy Suburban inside the cordon. The vehicle’s trunk and front passenger-side door were left open.
A medic unit responded to the scene, but has since left, followed by a police car.
It is unclear what led to the shooting, which remains under investigation. The Secret Service agent’s condition is unknown at this time.
A Secret Service spokesperson told the New York Post: ‘We are gathering the facts and will have a statement shortly.’
The Daily Mail has approached the Secret Service for comment.
A Secret Service agent shot himself in the leg while escorting First Lady Jill Biden, seen in 2022, through Philadelphia International Airport on Friday morning
A federal law enforcement officer moves through Philadelphia Airport on Tuesday, March 24
Security at Philadelphia International Airport has been chaotic this week in wake of the partial government shutdown that has left TSA officers working without pay.
Multiple TSA checkpoints remained closed Friday as the airport worked to ‘optimize operations’, USA Today reported.
The security checkpoints at terminals A-West, F and C, where the shooting occurred, are reportedly closed.
Passengers can still fly through the impacted terminals but must pass through security at checkpoints in other terminals.
This is a breaking news story. Check back for updates.
