(Washington, D.C.) - Yesterday at approximately 7:20PM, Omar J. Gonzalez, W/M/42, of Copperas Cove, TX, climbed over the fence on the north side of the White House complex and ran toward the front of the mansion. Gonzalez failed to comply with responding Secret Service Uniformed Division Officers’ verbal commands, and was physically apprehended after entering the White House North Portico doors. The first family was not in the residence at the time of the incident and was en route to Camp David, MD.
Every day the Secret Service is challenged to ensure security at the White House complex while still allowing public accessibility to a national historical site. The challenge of securing the White House complex from security threats is ever present. Although last night the officers showed tremendous restraint and discipline in dealing with this subject, the location of Gonzalez’s arrest is not acceptable.
In addition to the criminal investigation of Gonzalez by the Secret Service's Washington Field Office, Director Julia Pierson immediately ordered the Secret Service's Office of Professional Responsibility to conduct a comprehensive after action review of the incident. The review findings will be submitted to Department of Homeland Secretary, Jeh Johnson. This review began last night with a physical assessment of the site and personnel interviews. In addition, the Secret Service will review all operational policies and security procedures during this process.
In the interim, Director Pierson has ordered the immediate enhancement of officer patrols and surveillance capabilities along the Pennsylvania Avenue fence line around the White House complex. These measures went into effect last night.
The men and women of the Secret Service are committed to providing the highest level of security for those we are charged to protect, and will do whatever is necessary to successfully accomplish our mission.
About the United States Secret Service
The United States Secret Service was originally founded in 1865 for the purpose of suppressing the counterfeiting of U.S. currency. Now an agency within the Department of Homeland Security, the Secret Service is widely known for its protective mission in safeguarding the nation’s highest elected officials, visiting foreign dignitaries and events of national significance. Today, the Secret Service maintains an integrated mission of protection and investigations, as one of the premier law enforcement organizations charged with investigating cyber and financial crimes.