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Toddler slips through White House fence

19 Apr 2023 09:54am
The exterior of the White House is seen from outside the security fencing on March 7, 2021 in Washington, DC. - AFP
The exterior of the White House is seen from outside the security fencing on March 7, 2021 in Washington, DC. - AFP

WASHINGTON - A toddler slipped through the White House's fence on the north side of the U.S. presidential residence and workplace on Tuesday.

Secret Service personnel "encountered a curious young visitor along the White House north fence line who briefly entered White House grounds," according to a statement obtained by U.S. media outlets.

"The White House security systems instantly triggered Secret Service officers and the toddler and parents were quickly reunited," said the statement attributed to Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi.

Access to the complex was briefly restricted while officers conducted the reunification, according to The Associated Press.

Secret Service officers were also reported to have briefly questioned the parents before allowing them to continue on their way.

The U.S. National Park Service and the Secret Service have worked to construct a new fence around the White House since July 2019 after previous security breaches. - XINHUA

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