This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-30982937
The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Previous version
1
Next version
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
Flying 'quad copter' triggers White House alert | |
(about 4 hours later) | |
A flying device triggered a security alert when it landed in the grounds of the White House, a US official says. | |
The US Secret Service said a "quad copter" - a small machine powered by four rotor blades - had been found. An investigation has been launched. | |
President Barack Obama and the First Lady are currently on a visit to India. | |
The US Secret Service, which is tasked with the president's security, has been criticised for recent lapses, leading to a leadership reorganisation. | The US Secret Service, which is tasked with the president's security, has been criticised for recent lapses, leading to a leadership reorganisation. |
In September a man armed with a knife scaled the White House perimeter fence and gained access to the building. | In September a man armed with a knife scaled the White House perimeter fence and gained access to the building. |
Days earlier an armed private security guard had been allowed to ride in the same lift as the president. | Days earlier an armed private security guard had been allowed to ride in the same lift as the president. |
Although Mr and Mrs Obama were in New Delhi when the device was found, their children are believed to be in Washington DC, according to the New York Times. | Although Mr and Mrs Obama were in New Delhi when the device was found, their children are believed to be in Washington DC, according to the New York Times. |
At a press briefing in India, White House spokesman Josh Earnest said: "I don't have any reason to think at this point that the first family is in any danger." | At a press briefing in India, White House spokesman Josh Earnest said: "I don't have any reason to think at this point that the first family is in any danger." |
US media reports initially described the device as a small drone, but the Secret Service later said it was a two-foot-wide quad copter. | |
The device flew into the White House grounds at about 03:08 local time (08:08 GMT) and crashed into the south-eastern side of the complex, it said. |
Previous version
1
Next version