A chaotic scene unfolded at the CIA headquarters near Washington, DC on Thursday when security guards were forced to open fire on a woman who drove towards the gates of the facility, ignoring commands to stop. The woman, a young U.S. citizen with a history of driving under the influence, was eventually taken into custody following the incident.
According to a source familiar with the matter, the suspect drove into the main entrance through the outbound lane, evading security guards who attempted to stop her. As she continued towards the gate, security personnel were left with no choice but to fire at the vehicle. Fortunately, the woman did not enter the CIA compound and no security officers were injured during the altercation.
Although it remains unclear whether the suspect was struck by gunfire, she was reported to be in stable condition following the incident. The FBI has since launched an investigation into the matter.
In response to the incident, the CIA closed the main gate at its Langley compound and advised employees to use alternate routes. The shooting occurred at around 4 a.m. (0800 GMT) and came just one day after two Israeli Embassy staffers were tragically killed by a lone gunman in downtown Washington. However, there is currently no indication of a connection between the two incidents.
The CIA has assured the public that the situation is under control and has urged individuals to avoid the area until further notice. The agency’s spokesperson confirmed that security staff “engaged a person” outside the main gates and subsequently arrested the suspect. The exact details of the encounter, including whether the suspect was hit by gunfire, remain unclear.
As the investigation continues, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by security personnel tasked with protecting sensitive government facilities. The safety and security of such locations remain a top priority, and incidents like these underscore the importance of vigilance and preparedness in the face of potential threats.
