The Obama administration said Tuesday it expects the Secret Service to release more information about how an armed man was able to scale the White House fence and enter the building before being apprehended earlier this month.
White House press secretary Josh Earnest told reporters there’s a “legitimate” interest in finding out how one of the most secure complexes in the world could be breached.
“It is in the interest of the agency in question and all of you for the information to be accurate and released as soon as possible. There is legitimate public interest in this matter because it relates to the safety and security of the commander in chief,” he said. “We do believe there is a common interest that exists between all of you, those of us at the White House who work directly for the president and officials at the Secret Service to provide accurate information to the American public. There is legitimate public interest in this matter and that is why officials at the Secret Service are conducting this investigation with a sense of urgency.”
Earlier this month, Omar Gonzalez scaled the White House fence and sprinted 70 yards across the lawn and entered an unlocked front door before being captured. He was a carrying a knife at the time.
Secret Service Director Julia A. Pierson told lawmakers Tuesday she takes “full responsibility” for the incident.
Mr. Earnest also said that while the president has made clear to the Secret Service his “concern” about the incident, he doesn’t believe the first family’s safety is in jeopardy.
“The president retains full confidence in the men and women of the Secret Service to do their very important work, which includes as their top priority protecting the commander in chief, the first family and the White House. He’s got full confidence in those professionals to do their job,” Mr. Earnest said.
• Ben Wolfgang can be reached at bwolfgang@washingtontimes.com.
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