There are new developments in the story about the man who was able to jump the White House fence on September 19 and get into the building. As it turns out, he made it all the way to the East Room and reached the doorway to the Green Room, which is a parlor that overlooks the South Lawn.
The Washington Post is reporting that Omar Gonzalez, who was armed with a knife, overpowered one Secret Service officer and ran through much of the main floor.
And this:
An alarm box near the front entrance of the White House designed to alert guards to an intruder had been muted at what officers believed was a request of the usher’s office, said a Secret Service official who spoke on the condition of anonymity.
What? What????
The officer who was posted inside the front door “appeared to be delayed” in learning that Gonzalez was about to come through the door.
Officers are trained that, upon learning of an intruder on the grounds ? often through the alarm boxes posted around the property ? they must immediately lock the front door.
[…]
After barreling past the guard immediately inside the door, Gonzalez, who was carrying a knife, dashed past the stairway leading a half-flight up to the first family’s living quarters. He then ran into the 80-foot-long East Room, an ornate space often used for receptions or presidential addresses.
Fortunately, Gonzalez was then tackled by a counter-assault agent near the southern end of the East Room.
Here is a really cool look inside the White House via a model the Museum of Science and Industry. Click to view it in full size.
These details debunk early reports that said that Gonzalez was quickly overpowered and detained at the main entry after he breached the front door at the North Portico.
The details were initially reported by the Washington Post and have been confirmed by Fox News.
Secret Service spokeswoman Nicole Mainor told Fox News that the agency would not comment on the revelations, citing the ongoing investigation.
The agency reports that it has been having high-level meetings to address concerns about the breach. They say that they are open to anything that will improve security at the White House.
Really? That’s great to know. I really thought we had this kind of situation under control. You know, as of about 1800. How hard would it suck if our beloved president, who goes?around with codes to destroy the earth and carries a pint of his own blood inside his armored vehicle, and has aircraft over him?at all times to protect him, were killed by a crazy guy with a knife in his own home? Come on, Secret Service!
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Tiffany Willis is the founder and editor-in-chief of Liberal America. An unapologetic member of the Christian Left, she has spent most of her career actively working with ?the least of these? and disadvantaged and oppressed populations. She’s passionate about their struggles. To stay on top of topics she discusses,?like her?Facebook page,?follow her on Twitter, or?connect with her via LinkedIn. She also has?a?grossly neglected personal blog?and a?literary quotes blog that is a labor of love. Find her somewhere and join the discussion.
