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The unauthorized entry of a man prompted the Secret Service to increase its security measures at the White House.
The Secretary of Homeland Security of the United States, Jeh Johnson, said Monday that he will evaluate an internal review announced by the Secret Service after a security breach at the White House last Friday.
Shortly after 7 p.m. that day, a man jumped over the White House perimeter fence and entered through the unlocked gate of the residence of President Barack Obama, who had left just minutes earlier.
The next day, another man was arrested when he tried to enter the mansion.
“I look forward to receiving the security review ordered by Director Pierson (Julia, of the Secret Service) regarding the events on the North Lawn of the White House on Friday night,” Johnson said.
“I will carefully evaluate the review’s findings and recommendations at that time, after which I am sure I will discuss them with Director Pierson, White House officials and members of Congress,” he added.
As the BBC World correspondent in Washington, Thomas Sparrow, recalls, the apparent ease with which the man managed to reach the door of the White House is leading the Secret Service to increase security measures at the presidential residence.
“In addition to extra security guards, the Secret Service is looking at screening visitors further away from the complex to prevent further trespassers,” says Sparrow.