Former White House Employee Charged in Girlfriend's Shooting Death

Nation Wood pleaded not guilty to involuntary manslaughter in the death of his 22-year-old girlfriend Samantha Emge.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 9:35pm by Ben Kaplan

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single bullet casing on a dark surface, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually illustrating the stark, gritty aftermath of a shooting incident.A single bullet casing, the only physical evidence left behind after a tragic shooting, speaks volumes about the need for greater gun safety.San Francisco Today

A 25-year-old man who previously worked at the White House has been charged with involuntary manslaughter in the shooting death of his girlfriend, Samantha Emge, at his San Francisco apartment. Authorities say the incident appears to have been an accident, with Wood telling police he was 'dry-firing' his gun when it went off and struck Emge while she was showering.

Why it matters

The case has drawn attention to issues of gun safety and the potential risks of firearms, even in domestic settings. It also raises questions about Wood's background and history, given his prior employment at the White House.

The details

According to police, Wood called 911 after the shooting and was cooperative with authorities. His attorney argued that Wood had been trying to get Emge medical help and had not tried to flee or hide anything. Wood pleaded not guilty to the involuntary manslaughter charge at his arraignment, where both his family and Emge's family were present.

  • The shooting occurred on Tuesday, March 24, 2026.
  • Wood was arrested by San Francisco police on Thursday, March 26, 2026.
  • Wood pleaded not guilty at his arraignment on Friday, March 27, 2026.

The players

Nation Wood

A 25-year-old man who previously worked at the White House and is charged with involuntary manslaughter in the shooting death of his girlfriend.

Samantha Emge

Wood's 22-year-old girlfriend who was fatally shot in what authorities describe as a potential accident.

Doug Welch

Wood's public defender attorney who argued for lowering his $300,000 bail, stating that Wood had been cooperative with police.

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What they’re saying

“From the moment this happened, Mr. Wood never moved anywhere away from doing anything, other than trying to get Emge help. When the police arrived, from the beginning until the end, he was 100 percent cooperative and open with them. Not an iota of movement or word to indicate anything else.”

— Doug Welch, Public Defender

“This does seem like a horrific accident.”

— Doug Welch, Public Defender

What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to lower Wood's $300,000 bail amount.

The takeaway

This tragic incident highlights the need for greater gun safety education and responsible firearm ownership, even among those with prior government experience. It also raises questions about Wood's background and the potential risks of domestic gun violence.