An active-duty Army soldier struck by gunfire during a shootout outside the White House has filed a $25 million lawsuit against the Secret Service, claiming the agency failed to protect innocent bystanders during its response to the threat.

Tourist Visit Turns Into Life-Threatening Emergency

Private First Class Benjamin Del Real Jr., 25, was visiting Washington with his father and sister on May 23, taking photographs near the White House when a gunman opened fire on a Secret Service checkpoint around 6 p.m. Agents returned fire and killed the attacker, but during the exchange, a bullet struck Del Real in the stomach. He pulled his father to safety behind a concrete barrier before realizing he had been shot.

Del Real underwent emergency surgery to save his life, followed by a second operation two days later to remove the bullet. Surgeons had to remove portions of his colon and small intestine. The soldier from Salina, Kansas, faces a third surgery next month and expressed serious concerns about his ability to continue his military career, which he began just a year and a half ago.

Secret Service Remains Silent on Source of Bullet

The Secret Service has not confirmed whether one of its agents fired the bullet that wounded Del Real. The Metropolitan Police Department stated the ballistics analysis remains incomplete, and the investigation continues. His attorney, Joseph Murphy, described the agency’s response as a botched operation that endangered civilians. Del Real filed notice of his personal injury claim under the Federal Tort Claims Act on Tuesday.

Murphy emphasized the severity of his client’s injuries during a news conference. Del Real’s sister, Sara, described watching her brother bleed as the scariest moment of her life. The family had spent hours touring the National Archives and Arlington Cemetery before walking past the White House on their way to dinner when the shooting occurred.

Legal Battle Against Federal Shield

Federal law enforcement agencies typically enjoy protection from lawsuits, but exceptions exist for claims involving employee negligence. The Secret Service declined to comment on the pending litigation through spokesman Nate Herring, referring questions to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, which has not responded to requests for comment. The case raises questions about accountability when law enforcement actions harm innocent civilians during legitimate defensive operations in crowded public spaces.