The U.S. Secret Service said Saturday it is investigating how a man was able to scramble over the White House fence, dash across the expansive lawn and enter the massive front doors of the residence before being nabbed by agents.
The first family was not at the residence when the incident occurred at about 7:20 p.m. Friday. The suspect appeared to be unarmed at the time of the incident, Secret Service spokesman Brian Leary said.
The latest breach of security has brought increased scrutiny to the agency.
Rep. Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, who chairs the House of Representatives’ subpanel on national security oversight, called it “totally unacceptable” but said the incident was just one of a string of security failings on the Secret Service’s watch.
“Unfortunately, they are failing to do their job,” said Chaffetz. “These are good men and women, but the Secret Service leadership has a lot of questions to answer.”
Authorities identified the suspect as Omar Gonzalez, 42, of Copperas Cove, Texas. He was tackled just inside the doors of the North Portico, the grand, columned entrance that looks out over Washington’s Pennsylvania Avenue. A search of the suspect turned up no weapons.
He was charged with unlawful entry into the White House complex and transported to a nearby hospital complaining of chest pain.
“This situation was a little different than other incidents we have at the White House,” Secret Service spokesman Ed Donovan said. “There will be a thorough investigation into the incident.”
Only minutes before the breach, Obama had boarded his helicopter on the South Lawn with his daughters and one of their friends, who was joining the Obamas for a weekend getaway to Camp David, the presidential retreat in Maryland. First lady Michelle Obama had traveled separately to Camp David and was not at home.
source: usatoday
Tags: Fence Jumper, Politics, Secret services, White House
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