Airports are stressful enough without adding accidental gunfire to the mix. On Friday morning, a U.S. Secret Service agent protecting former First Lady Jill Biden accidentally shot himself in the leg at Philadelphia International Airport.
The incident happened around 8:30 a.m. during a protective assignment. The agent suffered a “negligent discharge” while handling his service weapon, according to a Secret Service spokesperson. Jill Biden was at the airport but not near the agent when it occurred, and no one else was injured. The agent was taken to a local hospital in stable condition.
The event unfolded against the backdrop of already chaotic airport security lines caused by a partial government shutdown affecting the Department of Homeland Security. With spring break travel in full swing, the last thing travelers needed was more drama.
