Biden cries 'whoa' as car smashes motorcade and secret service leap into action

774     0
Biden cries
Biden cries 'whoa' as car smashes motorcade and secret service leap into action

As a car slammed into part of his motorcade, President Joe Biden was seen standing frozen in shock as he exclaimed 'woah' on Sunday night before Secret Service agents bundled him into a vehicle to get him away from the scene.

President Biden and his wife Jill had been enjoying a meal with staffers at his campaign headquarters in Wilmington, Delaware, that evening. As they left at about 8pm local time, a sedan rammed into a Secret Service SUV that was being used to close off a street in the area.

The car then tried to continue and make its way into a closed-off intersection before Secret Service agents swarmed the vehicle, weapons drawn, instructing the driver to put his hands up. Not knowing if the crash had been part of a deliberate attack aimed at the President, he was quickly ushered into the back of his armoured SUV by Secret Service personnel, where his wife was already sitting waiting.

READ MORE: Inside biggest Hamas 'terror tunnel' ever found as Israel releases chilling video

Biden cries 'whoa' as car smashes motorcade and secret service leap into action eiqdiqxxiqdhinvPresident Joe Biden looked on in shock as a car slammed into one of the Secret Service SUVs in his motorcade (AP)

The crash happened at the moment Biden was walking out of the building, and as the loud bang of the crash ran out he was heard uttering "woah" as he looked toward the sound in shock. Secret Service agents also appeared stunned, and in the space of 10 seconds had the President bundled into the safety of his vehicle.

Family of great-great-gran, 83, killed by dog call for Bully breed to be bannedFamily of great-great-gran, 83, killed by dog call for Bully breed to be banned

Law enforcement officers began to investigate the incident to determine what had happened. They continued to point their guns at the car as the driver sat unresponsive inside. But seconds later, the driver emerged, with his hands in the air. He was arrested without incident, but the circumstances of the crash remain unclear.

Biden cries 'whoa' as car smashes motorcade and secret service leap into actionSecurity personnel usher President Joe Biden into the presidential vehicle as he leaves his campaign headquarters in Wilmington (AP)

For all the latest news, politics, sports, and showbiz from the USA, go to

Secret Service spokesperson Special Agent Steve Kopek later released a statement to The Mirror explaining some of the details of the investigation: "Today, at approximately 8.09pm, a Secret Service vehicle securing the President’s motorcade route was struck by another vehicle in Wilmington, DE. There was no protective interest associated with this event and the President’s motorcade departed without incident."

Biden cries 'whoa' as car smashes motorcade and secret service leap into actionMembers of the police and US Secret Service rush to a car, after it hit a motorcade SUV (AFP via Getty Images)

Wilmington Police Department spokesperson Dr David Karas released a statement of his own to The Mirror, adding: "The Wilmington Police Department is investigating the motor vehicle collision, which did not result in any injuries. Investigators are also working to determine if impairment was a factor."

There was a pool of reporters and photographers at the scene who were able to capture the dramatic moment and the President's reaction. Dr Jill Biden had been wishing the reporters 'Happy Holidays' as the sounds of the crash rang out across the street.

Biden cries 'whoa' as car smashes motorcade and secret service leap into actionBiden appeared stunned as he heard the loud bang of the crash (AP)

Reporters had been asking the President about his low polling numbers when the crash happened as he could be heard saying "woah" before an engine revved and he was rushed to his vehicle. A staffer then came and told journalists "They're evacuating, you guys gotta go," as security personnel secured the area.

Biden cries 'whoa' as car smashes motorcade and secret service leap into actionPresident Joe Biden waves as he leaves his campaign headquarters in Wilmington (AP)

The identity of the man driving the car remains unknown along with why it happened and whether this was a targeted attack. Details of what the man will be charged with, if anything, after his arrest are also unknown at this stage.

Click to follow the Mirror US on Google News to stay up to date with all the latest news, sport and entertainment stories.

Fiona Leishman

Print page

Comments:

comments powered by Disqus