The U.S. Secret Service is considering to a plan to set up checkpoints in various areas of the White House to screen tourists after two consecutive and embarrassing security breaches last week, including a man armed with a knife who was able to enter the building.
In a report by the Associated Press, agency officials had discussions about implementing checkpoints in public areas around the president’s residence. The official, who remained anonymous, said the matter has been raised before but it has now become an urgent matter after the intrusion on Friday.
Iraq war veteran Omar Gonzalez, 42, was able to enter the North Portico doors on Friday when the security apprehended him.
Initially, Gonzalez appeared unarmed but a formal complaint filed against him indicated he was armed with a four-inch knife. He was later charged with unlawfully entering a restricted building or grounds while carrying a deadly or dangerous weapon.
Less than 24 hours after Gonzalez’s arrest, another man was arrested after driving to a White House gate and refusing to leave. This prompted bomb experts in full battle gear to search the vehicle while security personnel shut down the nearby streets.
Once the tighter security rules are implemented, tourists’ bags will be screened for possible explosives, and give security personnel a chance to interact with them and the ability to try and identify those who may “pose a problem”.
Secret Service Director Julia Pearson has ordered an investigation on the matter and ordered a review of the internal security procedures.
