Lockdown: Officers scramble to catch White House Thanksgiving dinner invader
Dramatic scenes today as a man attempted to storm the White House just as President Obama and his family were tucking into their annual Thanksgiving dinner.
The Thanksgiving celebration came to a sudden end when an intruder caped in the American flag jumped the White House fence and ran around the grounds towards the main residence.
The shocking intrusion forced the White House to go into lockdown amidst current heightened terrorist fears following the attacks in Paris.
The Secret Service conducted sweeps of the grounds following the dangerous security breach.
An eyewitness at the scene said she heard the intruder take a deep breath and then say, “All right, let’s do this.”
This guy standing right next to me jumped the White House fence 😳 @washingtonpost get on this pic.twitter.com/LfewNarJ18
— Vanessa Peña (@VanessaVans_) November 26, 2015
He then proceeded to scale the huge fence with what appeared to be a binder gripped between his teeth.
Another witness who was in the area distributing literature told the Washington Post he was terrified when he saw the intruder on the other side of the fence with the police closing in.
“He was walking toward the White House with his hands up,” said the witness, who would not to be named.
“The police told us to move away as quickly as possible. I looked over my shoulder. I was scared.”
According to CNN the intruder, Joesph Caputo was arrested and is facing criminal charges.
Earlier in the day Obama happily posed for photos with his children.
Happy Thanksgiving! pic.twitter.com/aGzXpfcvDb
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) November 26, 2015
Earlier in the day the family had made a public appearance at a homeless shelter.
Today is a reminder to be thankful for what we have, and share our blessings by helping others. –mo pic.twitter.com/uNhX35E5hq
— The First Lady (@FLOTUS) November 26, 2015
Obama had also made his annual public address reminding fellow Americans to be grateful for what they have.
"On this uniquely American holiday we also remember that so much of our greatness comes from our generosity" —@POTUS https://t.co/Jiwdvk8nII
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) November 26, 2015
News Break November 27th