US Secret Service agent robbed at gunpoint during President Biden's California visit

U.S. Secret Service officer robbed at gunpoint

A Secret Service agent was robbed at gunpoint during President Joe Biden's trip to Los Angeles, California for a fundraising event over the weekend.

TUSTIN, Calif. - A U.S. Secret Service agent was robbed at gunpoint in California over the weekend during President Joe Biden's trip.

The Tustin Police Department said on Saturday night, officers responded to a robbery call at the Tustin Fields I residential community.

Officers then learned that the victim was a member of the U.S. Secret Service. The victim also reported that his bag was stolen during the robbery.

The Secret Service agent said he discharged his weapon, but the suspected thief was able to get away. It's not known if the suspected thief was hurt because of the incident.

US President Joe Biden speaks onstage during a campaign fundraiser at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on June 15, 2024. (Photo by Mandel NGAN / AFP) (Photo by MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images)

The agent said some of his belongings were found, but the incident is still being investigated.

A look at the history of the Secret Service

The U.S. Secret Service was originally established by President Abraham Lincoln in 1865 to suppress widespread counterfeiting.

"A member of the U.S. Secret Service was the victim of an armed robbery in Tustin, California late Saturday when returning from a work assignment," the agency said in a statement to FOX Television Stations. "The employee discharged their service weapon during the incident but unknown if the assailants were struck. We are thankful that the employee did not sustain any injuries."

Biden spent part of the weekend in Los Angeles for a Hollywood star-studded campaign gala.

George Clooney, Julia Roberts and Barbra Streisand were among those who took the stage at the 7,100-seat Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on Saturday night. Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel interviewed Biden and former President Barack Obama, who both stressed the need to defeat former President Donald Trump in a race that's expected to be exceedingly close.

The fundraiser included singing by Jack Black and Sheryl Lee Ralph, and actors Kathryn Hahn and Jason Bateman introduced Kimmel, who himself introduced Biden and Obama. The comedian deadpanned, "I was told I was getting introduced by Batman, not Bateman."

Tustin Police say if you have any information regarding this incident, please call Detective Melendrez at 714-573-3372 or gmelendrez@tustinca.org.

The Associated Press contributed to this report. This story was reported from Los Angeles.

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