Politics
On December 17, 2023, a dramatic incident unfolded in Wilmington, Delaware, when a car crashed into a parked SUV that was part of President Joe Biden's motorcade. The collision occurred as President Biden was leaving his campaign headquarters, where he and First Lady Jill Biden had a dinner meeting with staff and volunteers.
Incident Overview
Location and Time: The incident happened around 8 p.m. ET outside the campaign headquarters in downtown Wilmington.
Details of the Crash: A silver sedan, driven by 46-year-old James Cooper from Wilmington, crashed into a black SUV that was securing the motorcade route. The SUV was parked about 200 feet from where President Biden was standing12.
Response and Safety Measures: Secret Service agents quickly surrounded the sedan, drawing their weapons and instructing the driver to exit the vehicle with his hands up. President Biden, who was walking towards his vehicle at the time, was ushered into his SUV by agents, while First Lady Jill Biden was already seated inside23.
Charges and Investigation
Driver Charged: James Cooper was charged with driving under the influence (DUI) and inattentive driving by the Wilmington Police Department. The crash was determined to be an accidental collision36.
No Protective Interest: The Secret Service stated that there was no protective interest associated with the event, indicating that the incident was not believed to be a deliberate attack on the president12.
Impact on the President's Schedule
Despite the unexpected interruption, President Biden's schedule was unaffected by the incident. He and the First Lady proceeded to their Wilmington residence without delay5.
Public Reaction
The incident drew immediate attention, with bystanders expressing shock and surprise. A White House pool report noted a bystander exclaiming, "Oh my gosh," as the crash occurred3.
Conclusion
The swift response by the Secret Service ensured the safety of President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden, highlighting the effectiveness of their security protocols. The incident serves as a reminder of the constant vigilance required to protect high-profile figures like the President of the United States.
Sources:
Kathryn Watson and Arden Farhi, CBS News https://www.cbsnews.com/news/biden-car-crash-campaign-headquarters/
The Independent https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/biden-motorcade-charged-dui-identified-b2466111.html