White House Reportedly Goes on Lockdown for a Fence Jumper

President not in town

CNN

A Friday afternoon lockdown at the White House to illustrate how deep into post-9/11 security theater/paranoia territory we are. An NBC News alert:

Editor's note: NBC News is reporting the White House is on lockdown; a Secret Service official says a person attempted to climb fence. We're watching for additional confirmation - Stephanie

CNN reports Secret Service saying they already have someone in custody and are checking his bag. President Obama is not at the White House. It doesn't sound like a big deal, but multiple outlets report a "lockdown" in the building.

Last year, Capitol Hill went on "lockdown" after Miriam Carey allegedly tried to drive through a security checkpoint at the White House. She was fatally shot after a chase by Secret Service, and her family is now suing.

Comments

[Episiarch]

Look, the politicians and their lackeys are far too important to not treat the slightest whiff of the possibility of a threat as critical. I mean, if they don't go into lockdown, how do they know how important they are?

[Pro Libertate]

During the Clinton years, there was a guy who actually fired shots at the White House and another one who flew a small plane at it, right?

[tarran]

Yes!

And it nearly destroyed the republic!

The famine caused by the guy firing his rifle led to 20 million on the eastern seaboard dying of starvation in 15 minutes!!!!!!!!

[Pro Libertate]

After Oklahoma City, I imagine the security there went way up, beyond just closing Pennsylvania Avenue in front of the White House. Random psychos wouldn't have helped.

[Malvolio]

"A man tried to climb the White House fence today. Fortunately, the Secret Service was able to talk him into coming back inside and finishing out his term."

[Dweebston]

Even the Secret Service is worried about a Biden presidency.

[Great+Grandma]

Great comment! I think I love you Malvolio!

[Slammer]

Did the guy attempt to climb the fence, or did he actually jump it? Because the article and the headline don't match.

[Rich]

"[The suspect] did not make it over the fence," a Secret Service spokesman told Reuters news agency.

My favorite part -- emphasis added:

The unidentified would-be intruder was carrying two bags, which are being screened, said the authorities.

[Dweebston]

He can be a fence jumper without making it over the fence.

[Paul.]

You're right. He's a fence climber.

[Cdr Lytton]

To think there was a time when the White House grounds were freely open to all and the President complained about being interrupted by the public walking in.

[Paul.]

If Obama had a son, he'd look a lot like that fence jumper.