The First Lady of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Denise Nyakeru Tshisekedi, is reported safe after what officials are describing as a suspected assassination attempt at a hotel in the United States late Tuesday afternoon.
According to preliminary security reports, the incident unfolded at approximately 4:51 p.m., when unidentified individuals allegedly attempted to force entry into the First Lady’s hotel room.
The breach was quickly detected by her security detail, triggering an immediate response that led to a brief but intense physical confrontation.
Security personnel are said to have successfully repelled the attackers before they could reach the First Lady. She was swiftly secured and moved to a safe location within the premises. No injuries have been officially reported.
Early intelligence assessments suggest the suspects may have been foreign nationals. Some accounts still unverified indicate the individuals could be linked to Rwanda, a claim that, if substantiated, could heighten already fragile tensions between Kinshasa and Kigali.
Authorities have not confirmed these details and have urged caution against speculation.
The attackers reportedly fled the scene in a waiting vehicle before local law enforcement could apprehend them. Investigators are now reviewing surveillance footage and coordinating with federal agencies to track down those responsible.
Officials have not yet determined whether the incident was a targeted assassination attempt, an act of intimidation, or a covert surveillance operation.
However, the seriousness of the breach has prompted immediate involvement from U.S. security and intelligence agencies.
The President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Félix Tshisekedi has been briefed on the situation. Sources close to the presidency say the family is safe and under heightened protection.
In Washington, the United States Department of State acknowledged awareness of the incident and confirmed it is working closely with relevant security services. No official attribution has been made at this stage.
The event comes at a sensitive moment in regional geopolitics, where relations between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda have been strained over ongoing security concerns in eastern Congo.
For now, officials emphasize that the swift and decisive actions of the First Lady’s security team likely prevented a far more serious outcome.
Investigations remain ongoing with further updates expected as more verified information emerges.
