White House on lockdown after suspicious package found

The Secret Service briefly placed the White House on lockdown Tuesday morning over a 'suspicious package' near a fence, officials said. An investigation is underway.

The incident began at about 1:15 p.m. ET on Tuesday when reporters at the White House were told that the presidential complex had been put on lockdown. Reporters and construction workers were told to stay inside, reports foreign media.

US Secret Service and DC Police Dept responding to an unattended package near North Fence of White House Complex said US Secret Service.

A spokesman



for the Secret Service confirmed that its agents were responding to an unattended package along the White House North Fence. Pennsylvania Avenue between 15th Street and 17th Street and the area of Lafayette Park have been closed to pedestrian traffic.

According to the reports there did not seem to be great urgency. President Donald Trump is not currently at the White House and is not affected by the alert.

On March 10, a man climbed over a fence at the White House and was able to walk on the grounds for 16 minutes before being taken into custody.