The White House has been placed into lockdown mode after a suspicious package was found on the grounds.
Fire trucks and a decontamination unit are reportedly on site, according to MSNBC. Emergency services are described as wearing Hazmat protective gear.
BREAKING: Suspicious package found outside White House https://t.co/NZthj1FYzd
— MSNBC (@MSNBC) May 30, 2016
The lockdown of the north side of the building falls on a US public holiday – Memorial Day – and it occurred while President Barack Obama was home.
https://twitter.com/newszilla/status/737341997501927425
White House placed on lock down after reported suspicious object found https://t.co/6Km6rSMfYW
#oh— Jim Carr (@JimmCarr) May 30, 2016
Initial reports say that a female suspect tossed the suspicious package over the fence of the White House, and was soon detained.
DC Hazmat squad member gearing up to examine container thrown over WH fence onto the North Lawn. Suspect detained. pic.twitter.com/JwFG8qbAKK
— Mark Knoller (@markknoller) May 30, 2016
Reuters: U.S. official says north side of White House campus has been placed on security lockdown after discovery of suspicious package
— Sky News Breaking (@SkyNewsBreak) May 30, 2016
Less than two weeks ago, the White House was locked down after a man approached the building’s security staff with a firearm. He was shot and detained during the encounter.
(Cover image of White House lockdown after shooting on May 20. Credit: Alex Wong/Getty).
