Bystander injured in Secret Service-involved shooting near White House identified as Army soldier

A law firm on Friday identified the bystander who was injured in a Secret Service-involved shooting near the White House last month as 25-year-old U.S. Army soldier Benjamin Del Real, one of its clients.

Del Real was caught in the crossfire last month when the now-deceased lone gunman 21-year-old Nasire Best opened fire at the Pennsylvania Avenue and 17th Street Secret Service checkpoint near the Eisenhower Executive Office Building.

Chicago-based law firm Clifford Law Office said its client suffered "severe injuries" in the shooting, which occurred while he was touring Washington, D.C., with his family.

“At this time, we are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident and gathering all available facts,” attorney Joseph Murphy told NBC-4 Washington. “We will continue to work with the appropriate authorities to determine exactly what occurred and to ensure a full and accurate understanding of the events that led to our client’s severe injuries. 

"Our primary focus remains on our client’s recovery and well-being," he continued. "As additional information becomes available, we intend to provide further updates.”

The law firm said its client is still recovering from his injuries, which needed surgery, though it was not clear what the injuries consisted of. It was also not clear if Del Real was injured by gunfire from Best or the Secret Service.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.