A toddler became the White House's tiniest intruder after he squeezed through the metal fencing and onto the property. The daring tot managed to break into the north side of the executive mansion today (Tuesday, April 18).
The child was apprehended by US Secret Service Uniformed Division officers, who are tasked with security at the White House. The officers walked across the North Lawn to retrieve the child before reuniting him with his parents.
Secret Service spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said described the toddler as a "curious young visitor". He said: “The White House security systems instantly triggered Secret Service officers and the toddler and parents were quickly reunited."
Access to the White House was restricted while the officers helped the child. They briefly questioned the parents before allowing them to continue on their way.
It is believed that the toddler is the first intruder onto the ground since the fence was doubled in height to roughly 13ft after a series of security breaches. Although the fence is taller, there is an extra inch of space between the pickets.
Older children have sometimes become stuck in the barrier. Protestors have also used it to their advantage by chaining themselves to the fence.
