Secret Service increases White House security after 2 breaches in 24 hours
The U.S. Secret Service has increased security measures along the road in front of the White House where a man scaled a fence on Friday and got inside the doors of the executive mansion, the agency said in a statement on Saturday.
Secret Service Director Julia Pierson ordered the measures after the breach, which was one of the most significant since President Barack Obama took office.
A review is underway and the findings will be submitted to Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson.
Secret Service investigates after man jumps White House fence, reaches front door
"In the interim, Director Pierson has ordered the immediate enhancement of officer patrols and surveillance capabilities along the Pennsylvania Avenue fence line around the White House complex," the statement said. "These measures went into effect last night."
A second man was arrested on Saturday for trespassing at the White House, less than 24 hours after the first intruder the fence and made it inside.
Secret Service spokesman Ed Donovan said the latest case involved a man who approached the White House gates on foot, was sent away, then returned in his vehicle to the White House gates.
"He refused to leave and was arrested for trespassing," Donovan said. No further details were available.
On Friday, Omar J. Gonzales, a 42-year-old white male from Texas, climbed the fence, ran across the lawn and made it inside the front doors of the White House before being apprehended.
Gonzales, who was not carrying a backpack and appeared unarmed, ignored commands to stop. He was arrested and taken to a nearby hospital for evaluation.
Obama and his family were away for both incidents. They are spending the weekend at Camp David, the presidential retreat in nearby Maryland.
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