White House briefly locked down after phone thrown over security fence
Secret Service responds swiftly to North Lawn security breach; press briefing interrupted as lockdown halts Trump departure schedule momentarily; recent incident adds to ongoing White House security challenges
The White House was briefly placed under lockdown on Tuesday afternoon after a mobile phone was thrown over the North Lawn security fence, prompting an immediate response from the U.S. Secret Service.
The incident occurred around midday (US), triggering a full lockdown of the White House grounds and a temporary closure of Pennsylvania Avenue. According to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, “somebody threw their phone over the fence,” which led to the swift implementation of security protocols, according to media reports.
Members of the press, who had gathered to interview Education Secretary Linda McMahon during a scheduled Fox News appearance, were quickly escorted into the James S. Brady Briefing Room for safety as agents secured the area.
Lockdown procedures remained in place until approximately 11:56 a.m., after which reporters were allowed back onto the North Lawn. By 12:20 p.m., journalists had reconvened in the Palm Room, preparing for President Donald Trump’s departure to a scheduled event in Pennsylvania. The President’s itinerary remained unaffected by the security incident.
Though no official White House statement has been issued yet, the event marks yet another recent breach in security. In March, the Secret Service was criticized after a young boy crossed the perimeter fence, forcing agents to return him to his parents. These repeated breaches have placed additional scrutiny on the agency’s protocols.
Despite the brief disruption, no injuries were reported, and the situation was swiftly contained.
