http://tvnz.co.nz/world-news/us-sec...iny-after-white-house-security-breach-6087113
US Secret Service under scrutiny after White House security breach
Published: 7:13AM Sunday September 21, 2014 Source: AP
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Uniformed Secret Service officers walk along the lawn on the North side of the White House. - Source: AP
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ADDED 14:32 Fence jumper at White House sparks evacuation
The US Secret Service is coming under renewed scrutiny after a man scaled the White House fence and made it all the way through the front door before he was apprehended.
President Barack Obama and his daughters had just left the White House when the intruder climbed the north fence, darted across the lawn and into the residence, where agents nabbed him.
The security breach triggered a rare evacuation of much of the White House. Secret Service officers drew their guns as they rushed staffers and journalists out a side door.
For the Secret Service, the incident was a devastating episode that prompted fresh questions about the agency and its ability to protect the president.
Republican Rep. Jason Chaffetz, chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform subcommittee on national security, called it "totally unacceptable" and 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 Mr Chaffetz. "These are good men and women, but the Secret Service leadership has a lot of questions to answer."
"Was the door open?" he added incredulously.
The Secret Service said the incident would be reviewed to ensure proper procedures were followed.
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The Secret Service say the man was Omar J. Gonzalez, 42, of Copperas Cove, Texas. He was charged with unlawful entry into the White House complex and transported to a nearby hospital complaining of chest pain. Attempts to reach Gonzalez or his relatives by phone were unsuccessful.
Although it's not uncommon for people to make it over the White House fence, they usually are stopped almost immediately. Video from the scene showed the intruder sprinting across the lawn as Secret Service agents shouted at nearby pedestrians to clear the area.
"This situation was a little different than other incidents we have at the White House," Donovan said. "There will be a thorough investigation into the incident."
The Secret Service has struggled in recent years to strike the appropriate balance between ensuring the first family's security and preserving the public's access to the White House grounds. Once open to vehicles, the stretch of Pennsylvania Avenue in front of the White House was confined to pedestrians after the Oklahoma City federal building bombing, but officials have been reluctant to restrict access to the area further.
US Secret Service under scrutiny after White House security breach
Published: 7:13AM Sunday September 21, 2014 Source: AP
Email this article Print this article Text size+-
Uniformed Secret Service officers walk along the lawn on the North side of the White House. - Source: AP
Related
ADDED 14:32 Fence jumper at White House sparks evacuation
The US Secret Service is coming under renewed scrutiny after a man scaled the White House fence and made it all the way through the front door before he was apprehended.
President Barack Obama and his daughters had just left the White House when the intruder climbed the north fence, darted across the lawn and into the residence, where agents nabbed him.
The security breach triggered a rare evacuation of much of the White House. Secret Service officers drew their guns as they rushed staffers and journalists out a side door.
For the Secret Service, the incident was a devastating episode that prompted fresh questions about the agency and its ability to protect the president.
Republican Rep. Jason Chaffetz, chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform subcommittee on national security, called it "totally unacceptable" and 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 Mr Chaffetz. "These are good men and women, but the Secret Service leadership has a lot of questions to answer."
"Was the door open?" he added incredulously.
The Secret Service said the incident would be reviewed to ensure proper procedures were followed.
Advertisement
The Secret Service say the man was Omar J. Gonzalez, 42, of Copperas Cove, Texas. He was charged with unlawful entry into the White House complex and transported to a nearby hospital complaining of chest pain. Attempts to reach Gonzalez or his relatives by phone were unsuccessful.
Although it's not uncommon for people to make it over the White House fence, they usually are stopped almost immediately. Video from the scene showed the intruder sprinting across the lawn as Secret Service agents shouted at nearby pedestrians to clear the area.
"This situation was a little different than other incidents we have at the White House," Donovan said. "There will be a thorough investigation into the incident."
The Secret Service has struggled in recent years to strike the appropriate balance between ensuring the first family's security and preserving the public's access to the White House grounds. Once open to vehicles, the stretch of Pennsylvania Avenue in front of the White House was confined to pedestrians after the Oklahoma City federal building bombing, but officials have been reluctant to restrict access to the area further.
