The White House has been placed into lockdown mode after a suspicious package was found on the grounds.
Fire trucks and a decontamination unit are reportedly on site, according to MSNBC. Emergency services are described as wearing Hazmat protective gear.
BREAKING: Suspicious package found outside White House https://t.co/NZthj1FYzd
— MSNBC (@MSNBC) May 30, 2016
The lockdown of the north side of the building falls on a US public holiday – Memorial Day – and it occurred while President Barack Obama was home.
https://twitter.com/newszilla/status/737341997501927425
White House placed on lock down after reported suspicious object found https://t.co/6Km6rSMfYW
#oh— Jim Carr (@JimmCarr) May 30, 2016
Initial reports – so far unconfirmed – said that the suspicious package was tossed over the fence of the White House.
Reuters: U.S. official says north side of White House campus has been placed on security lockdown after discovery of suspicious package
— Sky News Breaking (@SkyNewsBreak) May 30, 2016
Less than two weeks ago, the White House was locked down after a man approached the building’s security staff with a firearm. He was shot and detained during the encounter.
(Cover image of White House lockdown after shooting on May 20. Credit: Alex Wong/Getty).