...By Judah Olanisebee for TDPel Media.
Toddler breaches White House security fence and is apprehended by Secret Service officers
A curious toddler made his way onto the White House property after squeezing through the metal fencing on the north side of the executive mansion on April 18.
The child was quickly apprehended by US Secret Service Uniformed Division officers who are responsible for the White House’s security.
The officers walked across the North Lawn to retrieve the child and reunite him with his parents.
According to a Secret Service spokesman, the White House security systems instantly triggered when the toddler breached the fence.
Although access to the White House was restricted while the officers helped the child, the parents were briefly questioned before being allowed to continue on their way.
Toddler is the first intruder since the fence was doubled in height
It is believed that the toddler is the first intruder onto the White House grounds since the fence was doubled in height to around 13 feet following a series of security breaches.
Although the fence is now taller, there is an extra inch of space between the pickets.
Previously, older children have sometimes become stuck in the barrier, while protestors have used it to their advantage by chaining themselves to the fence.
Commentary
Security breaches at the White House have been a concern for many years.
In recent times, some of the security breaches that have taken place include trespassers scaling the White House fence and armed individuals jumping over it.
The breach by a toddler highlights the need to ensure that even the smallest gaps in security systems are addressed to prevent any potential threats.
The quick response by the Secret Service to apprehend the toddler and reunite him with his parents is a testament to the efficiency of the White House security systems.
However, it also highlights the need for continued vigilance to maintain the safety of those working and living on the White House grounds.
