Drunk Driver Crashes into SUV Guarding President Biden's Motorcade in Wilmington
ICARO Media Group
A man in Wilmington, Delaware, caused a major security scare over the weekend when he crashed his vehicle into a parked SUV that was guarding President Joe Biden's motorcade. Wilmington Police have revealed that James Cooper, a 46-year-old resident of Wilmington, was driving under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident. Cooper has been arrested and now faces charges of driving while intoxicated and inattentive driving.
The crash occurred on Sunday night, as the president was walking from his campaign office to his waiting armored SUV. A sedan driven by Cooper struck a U.S. Secret Service vehicle that was being used to seal off the area surrounding the president's visit. Instead of stopping, Cooper attempted to continue forward into the closed-off intersection. However, Secret Service agents quickly surrounded his vehicle with weapons drawn, ordering him to put his hands up.
The sound of a loud bang and crunching metal filled the air, catching President Biden's attention. He looked over in surprise before being swiftly ushered into the safety of his vehicle, where First Lady Jill Biden was already seated. Thankfully, neither President Biden nor the first lady sustained any injuries during the incident.
Authorities investigating the crash have determined that it was an accidental occurrence. Steve Kopek, a spokesman for the U.S. Secret Service, confirmed that the president's motorcade departed without further incident and that Cooper was not considered a serious threat to the president's safety.
James Cooper has since been released from custody, pending further court proceedings. NBC10 attempted to reach out to Cooper for a statement but has not yet received a response.
This incident serves as a reminder of the risks posed by intoxicated drivers and the importance of responsible driving. The Secret Service and local law enforcement agencies continue to work diligently to ensure the safety of President Biden and his motorcade during public appearances.