President Biden Unharmed in Motorcade Incident in Wilmington
President Joe Biden experienced a startling moment on Sunday night when a car unintentionally collided with an SUV in his motorcade in Wilmington, Delaware. The incident, which resulted in damage to both vehicles, occurred as the president was leaving his 2024 campaign headquarters.
The United States Secret Service confirmed the collision, stating that one of the vehicles in the motorcade was struck as President Biden was getting into his car. According to Secret Service spokesperson Steve Kopek, the crash was not intentional and did not pose a protective threat to the president. Heavy rain in Wilmington at the time of the incident was noted.
The event unfolded at approximately 8:09 p.m. A loud bang was heard on the street as a silver sedan collided with a Secret Service vehicle that was part of the motorcade's security detail. Although the SUV involved in the crash was not the one carrying the president, the incident briefly startled him. Secret Service agents responded promptly, surrounding the sedan and instructing the male driver to raise his hands.
President Biden was safely escorted to his vehicle, where First Lady Jill Biden was already waiting. The motorcade then departed from the scene without further incident.
The visit to the campaign headquarters was a significant one for President Biden, marking his first visit to the Wilmington office since staffers began working there over the summer. The president and the first lady were at the headquarters to greet staff during a holiday happy hour.
This incident underscores the ever-present need for stringent security measures around high-profile figures like the President of the United States. The prompt and effective response by the Secret Service agents in ensuring the president's safety highlights the professionalism and readiness of the personnel tasked with protecting national leaders.
The Wilmington Police Department has been directed to handle further inquiries regarding the crash. This minor motorcade incident, while causing no harm to the president, serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of events that can occur in the vicinity of high-profile political figures.