The head of the Secret Service briefed President Obama Thursday night on the agency’s review of the intruder who jumped a fence at the White House and ran inside the residence.
Secret Service Director Julia Pierson gave the president an initial assessment of the security failure, said White House press secretary Josh Earnest. He didn’t know whether first lady Michelle Obama attended the meeting.
Omar Gonzalez, an Iraqi war veteran, climbed the fence in front of the White House a week ago and dashed across the north lawn, entering the White House through the North Portico before agents apprehended him. He was carrying a small folding knife, and investigators found more than 800 rounds of ammunition in his car parked nearby.
Mr. Gonzalez faces a court hearing on Wednesday.
The president and his daughters had just departed in Marine One for Camp David a few minutes before the incident occurred. Mrs. Obama also was not at the White House at the time.
Mr. Earnest said the president still has full confidence in the Secret Service, which is reviewing possible security changes at the White House.
• Dave Boyer can be reached at dboyer@washingtontimes.com.
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