On November 13, 2023, Secret Service agents protecting President Joe Biden's granddaughter, Naomi Biden, opened fire after three individuals attempted to break into an unmarked agency vehicle in Washington, D.C. The incident occurred in the Georgetown neighborhood, where the agents witnessed the suspects breaking a window of the parked and unoccupied vehicle. One of the agents discharged their service weapon, but it is believed that no one was injured by gunfire.
Following the incident, two to three individuals fled the scene in a red vehicle. The Secret Service has issued a regional bulletin to the Metropolitan Police Department to be on the lookout for the car. Carjackings in Washington, D.C. have been on the rise, increasing by 250% in the past five years. This year alone, there have been over 750 reported carjackings, with 75% of them involving firearms. Motor vehicle theft has also seen a significant spike, rising by 98% compared to last year.
In early October, Representative Henry Cuellar, a Democrat from Texas, was carjacked at gunpoint in the Navy Yard neighborhood near Capitol Hill. This incident occurred outside Cuellar's apartment building, where other members of Congress, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and House Minority Whip Katherine Clark, also reside.
Law enforcement agencies, such as the Secret Service and the Metropolitan Police Department, are actively investigating these incidents and collaborating to address the rising crime rates in the city. The Secret Service's swift response to the attempted break-in highlights their commitment to protecting individuals under their charge.
The incident involving Naomi Biden and the subsequent rise in carjackings and motor vehicle thefts underscore the need for enhanced security measures and law enforcement efforts to combat these crimes. As the investigations continue, it is crucial for authorities to address the root causes of the surge in carjackings and implement measures to ensure the safety of residents and visitors in Washington, D.C.