White House Lockdown: Man Climbs Security Barrier, Drops Backpack

WASHINGTON, DC — The White House has been placed on lockdown after someone climbed a security barrier on the south side of the building and dropped a backpack. The U.S. Secret Service made the announcement just after 1 p.m. Monday.

The package, which was dropped near the Ellipse zero mile marker, has since been deemed safe by police, the Secret Service said.

The climber, identified only as a male, was immediately taken into custody on E Street by uniformed Secret Service officers. He was charged with unlawful entry and is being transferred to the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia for processing.

The White House north fence line and E Street were closed to pedestrians and vehicles, the Secret Service said in a tweet. 17th Street was closed from D Street to New York Avenue.

17th street closed from D street to New York Ave.
— U.S. Secret Service (@SecretService) June 18, 2018

Photo credit: Patch