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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Cybele Mayes-Osterman

Bystander severely wounded outside White House says Secret Service failed him

White House Shooting Victim - (Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

An active-duty soldier who was hit by a stray bullet during a shooting outside the White House announced on Tuesday that he plans to sue the Secret Service over his life-threatening injuries.

Pfc. Benjamin Del Real Jr., 25, was visiting the capital on May 23 and hoping to snap pictures with his sister and father outside the White House when a gunman opened fire. Secret Service fired back, killing the man, and a bullet struck Del Real in the stomach, causing serious injuries that required emergency surgery. Part of his digestive system had to be removed.

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