On Tuesday (April 18), a toddler briefly entered White House grounds, pushing through a metal fence on the executive mansion’s north side.
In a statement by Secret Service Chief of Communications Anthony Gugliemli explained that the Uniformed Division of the Secret Service had encountered “a curious young visitor” along the north fence of the White House, who had “briefly” entered the grounds of the White House.”
Gugliemli added the breach “instantly triggered” the Secret Service officers, who were able to reunite the toddler and parents.
According to reporting by The Associated Press, the 18-acre Washington complex was temporarily restricted while officers facilitated the reconnection of Pennsylvania Avenue.
The police briefly questioned the parents before allowing the family to continue their journey.
Tuesday’s incident is not the first time a child has slipped through the fence.
In August 2014 and April 2015, young intruders reportedly entered the 18-acre complex, while reports have surfaced that older children sometimes got stuck inside.
However, Tuesday’s report comes after the National Park Service and the Secret Service worked since 2019 to double the height of the fence to about 13 feet because of previous security breaches.
Although the new fence is taller, it has an extra inch between posts, equating to 5½ inches between posts.
Although the White House’s northern, southern, and eastern parts of the fence have been completed, the construction along the western part of the fence is expected to be completed this year.
The Agency also explained that The new fence incorporates intrusion detection and anti-climbing technology and is “designed to mitigate current and future security threats.”
