Army soldier files $25 million claim against Secret Service

A U.S. Army soldier who was seriously wounded by a stray bullet during a shooting outside the White House in May has filed a $25 million personal injury claim against the U.S. Secret Service, alleging the agency's response was negligent and endangered bystanders. Private First Class Benjamin Del Real Jr., 25, announced the legal action on Tuesday, July 21, 2026.

Del Real was visiting Washington, D.C., with his father and sister on May 23 while on leave from the Army. The family was walking on Pennsylvania Avenue near the White House around 6 p.m. when a gunman, later identified as 21-year-old Nasire Best, opened fire on Secret Service agents at a security checkpoint. Agents returned fire, killing Best. During the exchange, Del Real was struck in the abdomen by a bullet.

According to his attorney, Joseph Murphy, Del Real saw the shooter and pulled his father to the ground, moving him behind a concrete barrier to safety. The soldier suffered life-threatening injuries, requiring emergency surgery and the removal of part of his digestive system. He has since undergone additional surgeries and faces a third procedure next month. The injury also tore his ACL.