A 25-year-old man who claimed to have worked as a security contractor alongside protective teams for former President Joe Biden has been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of his 22-year-old girlfriend in San Francisco.
Nation Wood was taken into custody Wednesday, one day after authorities say he shot and killed Samantha Emge at a residence in the city’s Sunset District. Police responded to the home around 10:43 p.m. Tuesday and found Emge suffering from a gunshot wound. She was rushed to a hospital but later died.
Wood was booked into county jail on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter. The investigation remains active as detectives work to determine the exact circumstances of the shooting. San Francisco Supervisor Alan Wong, whose district includes the area, said early information suggests the incident may not have been intentional.
Wood described himself on LinkedIn as a part-time security staffer and “independent pre-event site security advisor” who conducted advance assessments for high-profile events. His profile claimed he worked with protective teams linked to the Biden administration starting in November 2023 and continued security-related work into 2025. He also said he coordinated alongside the United States Secret Service during events, including the 2024 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in San Francisco.
A Secret Service spokesperson confirmed Wood was never employed by the agency.
Social media posts show Wood posing with then-Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff in front of a presidential aircraft. Emge, a 2025 graduate of San Francisco State University like Wood, worked in interior design. Friends confirmed the two were in a relationship, sharing photos from trips together, including a visit to Yosemite after her graduation.
The case has drawn attention due to Wood’s claimed ties to high-level political security details, though authorities have not indicated any official federal affiliation. Wood graduated from San Francisco State University in 2024 with a degree in political science and government and also listed experience as a property manager at a self-storage facility.
This tragic shooting adds to San Francisco’s ongoing struggles with violent crime, even as the city grapples with its reputation for progressive policies that critics say have contributed to rising disorder. Friends and family continue to mourn Emge, posting tributes on social media remembering her bright future and kind spirit.
The investigation is ongoing, and Wood remains in custody.