A former security staffer for President Joe Biden has been formally charged with involuntary manslaughter following the fatal shooting of his girlfriend in San Francisco. Nation Wood, aged 25, was arrested on Tuesday after his girlfriend, Samantha Emge, 22, was discovered with a gunshot wound at a residence near Ocean Beach in the California city.
White House Connection and Investigation Details
According to Wood's LinkedIn profile, he served as a part-time security staffer for Biden's White House security team, starting in November 2023. He described his role as an 'independent pre-event site security advisor' at the White House, a position he held for nearly two years before departing in July 2025. The U.S. Secret Service clarified to the Daily Mail that Wood was not a member of their agency, but his profile noted experience coordinating with them for high-profile events.
During his tenure, Wood shared a photograph of himself posing alongside Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband, Doug Emhoff, in front of a presidential jet in 2024. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work with the 2024 Democratic presidential nominee during an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation event in San Francisco.
Circumstances of the Shooting and Charges
Police responded to the incident at 10:43 p.m. on Tuesday, finding Emge suffering from a gunshot wound. She was transported to a hospital but later succumbed to her injuries. A preliminary investigation by authorities, as reported by SF Gate, indicates that the gunshot may have been accidental. This assessment was echoed by local Supervisor Alan Wong, who represents the Ocean Beach area, suggesting it might not have been an intentional act.
Wood was charged with involuntary manslaughter shortly after the incident and remains in custody at San Francisco County jail as of Friday. The case has drawn significant attention due to his previous association with the White House.
Victim's Background and Community Response
Samantha Emge was a recent graduate of San Francisco State University and worked in interior design, according to her social media profiles. Friends confirmed she was dating Wood, with social media posts showing the couple in several photographs together, though the duration of their relationship prior to the shooting remains unclear.
Supervisor Wong expressed deep sadness over the tragedy, stating, 'My thoughts are with the victim and her loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. Any loss of life in our community is devastating, regardless of the circumstances.' The Daily Mail has reached out to the U.S. Secret Service for further comment on Wood's arrest and his time working for the White House, as the investigation continues to unfold.
