Pfc. Benjamin Del Real Jr., 25, was visiting Washington on May 23 when a shooting occurred outside the White House. Del Real and his family were near the building when a gunman opened fire. Secret Service agents returned fire, killing the shooter, identified as 21-year-old Nasire Best. During the exchange, a bullet struck Del Real in the stomach, causing severe injuries that required emergency surgery.
Del Real underwent multiple surgical procedures to address his wounds, including removal of portions of his colon and small intestine. His lawyer, Joseph Murphy, described the injuries as life-threatening and noted that Del Real faces uncertainty regarding his continued military service. The soldier filed notice of a personal injury claim on Tuesday seeking $25 million under the Federal Tort Claims Act.
Del Real’s legal team alleged that the Secret Service mishandled its response to the shooting and failed to adequately protect bystanders in the area. His sister, Sara Del Real, described the incident as traumatic for the family. However, the Secret Service has not confirmed whether its agents fired the bullet that struck Del Real. The Metropolitan Police Department indicated earlier this summer that ballistics testing on the bullet had not been completed, with spokesman Lee Lepe stating Tuesday that the investigation remains ongoing.
The Secret Service declined to comment on the pending litigation. Federal law enforcement agencies generally receive legal immunity, though exceptions exist for certain negligence claims. The case raises questions about bystander safety during armed confrontations in high-security zones near government buildings.
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