Secret Service Recruit Kills 16-Year-Old Brother on New Year’s Eve
A Secret Service recruit who was scheduled to begin training with the agency this month fatally shot his 16‑year‑old brother on New Year’s Eve, authorities say.
Broward County Sheriff’s deputies and Tamarac Fire Rescue crews were called to a home in Tamarac, Florida, after reports of a teen with a gunshot injury. A second woman at the scene also suffered a graze wound, according to officials.
The teenager, identified as 16‑year‑old Orlando Wedderburn, was airlifted to Broward Health Medical Center, where he later died, CBS News reported.
The shooter, who has been identified as a Secret Service recruit, was taken into custody for questioning and later released after telling investigators he acted in self‑defense. As of now, no charges have been filed, and it is not yet known whether the Broward County State Attorney’s Office plans to pursue charges.
Local media coverage shows that the U.S. Secret Service has launched its own inquiry into the incident.
In a statement to RealClearPolitics, the agency said it is “aware of an open investigation by the Broward County Sheriff’s Office that involves a recently hired special agent trainee, who was awaiting entry into an upcoming training academy.”
“This is an extremely tragic situation, and we are fully cooperating with the Broward Sheriff’s Office as they lead this investigation,” the Secret Service added. The agency said that when the independent review is finished, “the results … will be presented to the Florida State Attorney’s Office.”
🚨🚨SECRET SERVICE EXCLUSIVE and #Breaking:
Secret Service recruit claims self defense in brother’s New Year’s Eve killing.
Prosecutors are waiting to decide whether to file criminal charges while dectectives investigate the death of the 16-year-old boy.
The shooting comes…
— Susan Crabtree (@susancrabtree) January 9, 2026
The Secret Service also noted that the recruit involved “has been placed on administrative leave as the process moves forward,” and directed further questions about the investigation to the Broward Sheriff’s Office.
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