Normal operations resume at White House after security lockdown

A brief, partial lockdown at the White House was lifted on Monday after a metal object tossed over the fence was tested and determined not to be dangerous, the US Secret Service said.

A brief, partial lockdown at the White House was lifted on Monday after a metal object tossed over the fence was tested and determined not to be dangerous, the US Secret Service said.

A firefighter in a hazmat suit waits to be hosed off as another carries a bag on Pennsylvania Avenue near the northwest gate to the White House, during a security lockdown of the White House grounds in Washington. (AFP Photo)

President Barack Obama was at the White House during the incident.

An individual threw the object over the north fence of the complex, Secret Service spokesperson Shawn Holtzclaw said in an emailed statement.

That person was apprehended without incident, he said.

“All protective sweeps of the metal object were met with negative results. The White House has returned to normal operations,” Holtzclaw said.

The north side of the White House was placed on a security lockdown for a couple of hours after the incident, which took place on the US Memorial Day holiday.

Reporters were not allowed to leave the White House compound through its northwest gate and flashing lights from emergency responders could be seen nearby.

Obama had visited Arlington National Cemetery earlier in the day as part of the annual commemoration for armed services members.