Secret Service launches security review after White House breach

The US Secret Service has launched a comprehensive review of White House security procedures after a knife-wielding intruder scaled a fence, sprinted across the lawn and gained entry to the presidential residence. All the more troubling, Secret Service officials say, is that the fence jumper, identified as Omar Gonzalez, 42, was able to enter the building unimpeded. President Barack Obama and his family were not home at the time, though officials and journalists were rushed out of the building during the disturbance that began on the North Lawn.

Although last night the officers showed tremendous restraint and discipline in dealing with this subject, the location of Gonzalez’s arrest is not acceptable.

A Secret Service statement

A Secret Service affidavit, filed in support of a criminal complaint, said Gonzalez was carrrying a folding knife with a three-and-a-half inch serrated blade, contradicting an earlier statement that he appeared to be unarmed. The White House is generally regarded as one of the most secure and protected places on the planet.

The President has full confidence in the Secret Service and is grateful to the men and women who day in and day out protect himself, his family and the White House.

White House spokesman Frank Benenati

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