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Six other breaches of White House security

Guards patrol the White House lawn after a man jumped over the fence on Friday
Guards patrol the White House lawn after a man jumped over the fence on Friday

White House security has been increased after a man with a knife scaled a fence to break into the presidential building on Friday. Here are six other times White House security was breached.

September, 2014

An unnamed Pokémon fan wearing a Pikachu hat and carrying a plush toy jumped the White House fence and ran across the lawn before being apprehended.

It’s possible the fan was hoping to find a real-life Pokémon…

Source: NY Daily News

August, 2014

A toddler managed to squeeze through the fence onto the White House lawn, before being returned to his parents. He was unable to answer security questions, as he had not yet learned how to talk.

Source: NY Daily News

May, 2014

Protestor Michel Bechard was refused access to the White House and responded by stripping naked. He then fought with security guards and was arrested for assault and indecent exposure. He claimed he had an urgent appointment with President Obama.

Source: USA Today

June, 2014

In an attempt to paint a “Don’t Tread on Me” snake sign on the White House lawn, Joseph Clifford Reel tried to crash a jeep filled with knives and bullets into a security gate.

The 33-year-old was sentenced to three years in prison.

Source: Washington Post

November, 2009

A state dinner being thrown for former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in 2009 was gatecrashed by Michaele and Tareq Salahi.

The couple were being filmed for The Real Housewives of D.C. and managed to get past two security checkpoints despite not being on the guest list.

They even managed to get a picture with President Obama.

Source: CNN

March, 2007

A 66-year-old man proved that age is no barrier to trespassing. Catalino Lucas Diaz scaled the White House fence and claimed to have a bomb.

Security had to use a water cannon to destroy the package, but it did not contain any dangerous materials.

Source: USA Today

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