Secret Service agents exchanged gunfire with suspected carjackers outside Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen’s home in Washington, D.C., early Tuesday morning, though no one was injured in the incident. The suspects managed to flee the scene in their vehicle shortly after 1:30 a.m. in the Northwest Washington neighborhood, according to reports.
Law enforcement officials have launched an investigation, with the D.C. Metro Police Department collaborating with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, led by Matthew Graves. While the suspects remain at large, the shooting underscores rising concerns over carjackings in high-profile areas. Representatives for the Secret Service have yet to release an official statement regarding the event.
The attempted car theft highlights a growing trend in vehicle-related crimes in urban areas. Washington, D.C., in particular, has faced increasing challenges with carjackings and theft, prompting officials to prioritize community safety. The incident outside Secretary Yellen’s residence brings a renewed spotlight to security measures for government officials and their neighborhoods.
Janet Yellen, who serves as a key figure in President Biden’s Cabinet, was not reported to be directly involved in or present during the incident. However, the location of the attempted carjacking near a high-ranking official’s home raises questions about the intersection of public safety and personal security for prominent individuals.
Social media quickly lit up with discussions and concerns following the incident, with images and details shared by residents and local watchdogs. One post by a local reporter showed a map pinpointing the location of the event, further illustrating the proximity of the crime to Secretary Yellen’s residence.
As investigations unfold, officials are expected to address broader concerns over crime rates and the safety of residential areas housing government personnel. The Biden administration may face pressure to ensure robust protective measures while balancing the need to address systemic issues tied to urban crime.