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US Secret Service agent protecting Jill Biden shoots self in leg

Secret Service agents are on duty at Pennsylvania Avenue in front of the White House in Washington D.C., United States on April 7, 2023
The Secret Service said an agent 'suffered a non-life-threatening injury' (file pic)

A US Secret Service agent assigned to protect Jill Biden accidentally shot himself in the leg while escorting the former first lady through the Philadelphia International Airport, an official familiar with the incident said.

Contacted for confirmation, a Secret Service spokesperson said that an agent, "suffered a non-life-threatening injury following a negligent discharge while handling a service weapon at the Philadelphia International Airport".

He said the accident happened shortly after 8:30am local time.

Former US first lady Jill Biden
Jill Biden was being escorted through Philadelphia International Airport when the incident occurred

While not saying who was being protected or in what part of the body the agent was shot, the spokesperson said: "There was no impact to the protectee's movement and they were not present at the time of the incident.

"There were no reported injuries to any other individuals and the special agent is being evaluated at an area hospital in stable condition."

An investigation will follow.