SerpApi.Org
An active-duty U.S. Army private was allegedly shot outside the White House during a shootout, and now he plans to sue the Secret Service.
The soldier, 25-years-old, Private Benjamin Del Real Jr. of Kansas, was visiting Washington, D.C. with his family when he claims he was critically wounded and now alleges that Secret Service agents failed to protect innocent bystanders.
Del Real has now filed a notice of claim under the Federal Tort Claims Act. It is the first step toward pursuing a $25 million lawsuit against the federal government. His attorney, Joseph Murphy, has said that the lawsuit is to demand compensation for the injuries caused by the Secret Service that has jeopardized the young soldier’s military career.
Soldier Says He Was “Bleeding Out” After White House Shooting
On May 23, 2026, Del Real, his father, and his sister were visiting Arlington National Cemetery and other landmarks before stopping near the White House for photos. According to his attorneys, when the family was near White House, a gunman, 21-year-old Nasire Best, suddenly opened fire on a Secret Service checkpoint. This then prompted agents to return fire.
To protect his father, Del Real reportedly pushed him behind a concrete barrier during the gunfire. However, he was struck in the abdomen by a bullet, suffering life-threatening injuries.
He underwent emergency surgery immediately after the shooting, followed by a second operation to remove the bullet. To save his life, doctors also had to remove portions of his colon and small intestine because of the damage. He is expected to undergo another surgery as part of his recovery.
Del Real recalled the terrifying moments after he was wounded and said he realized he was “bleeding out” as his family desperately tried to help him while emergency crews rushed to the scene. His attorneys contend that the Secret Service failed to account for civilians in the area while firing.
Lawsuit Seeks Accountability as Investigation Continues
Murphy has clarified that the lawsuit does not intend to interfere with the Secret Service’s responsibility to protect the president and other officials. However, he has argued that the federal agents must also exercise reasonable care to avoid injuring innocent bystanders.
The legal filing requests that key evidence including surveillance footage, firearms, shell casings, and investigative records be preserved as the case moves forward.
As of yet, authorities have not determined if the bullet that struck Del Real came from a Secret Service weapon. The Metropolitan Police Department has said the ballistics investigation remains ongoing.
Meanwhile, the Secret Service has declined to comment on the pending litigation, referring inquiries to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Del Real had enlisted in the Army about a year and a half before the shooting. He is now deeply concerned about whether he will be able to continue serving because of his injuries. His attorney said the lawsuit seeks both financial compensation and changes that could help prevent similar incidents involving innocent bystanders in the future.
