Pfc. Benjamin Del Real Jr., a 25-year-old active-duty soldier, is suing the U.S. Secret Service after being struck by a stray bullet during an incident outside the White House in May. The incident occurred when a gunman opened fire at Secret Service personnel, leading to an exchange of gunfire. Del Real is seeking $25 million under the Federal Tort Claims Act, alleging negligence on the part of the Secret Service in their response to the situation.
Del Real's attorney, Joseph Murphy, stated that the agents failed to adequately protect bystanders, including Del Real, who was visiting Washington, D.C. with his family at the time. The Metropolitan Police Department is still investigating the incident, and a ballistics report has not yet confirmed the source of the bullet that struck Del Real.
Following the shooting, Del Real underwent two surgeries and is scheduled for a third. He expressed concerns about the impact of his injuries on his military career. The Secret Service has not commented on the pending litigation, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia has also been contacted for a statement.