How does the president’s house stay accessible to the people yet a safe haven at the same time? That’s the question security experts are pondering big-time after last week’s shooting incident near the White House lawn.
A gunman fired shots Wednesday near the south fence of the White House. He was immediately surrounded by Secret Service agents; after he swung the gun about wildly, reports say, he was shot in the knee by an agent. The gunman was identified as Robert Pickett of Evansville, Ind.
President Bush, who was in the White House gym at the time, was never in danger, aides said. But the incident might stunt plans to reopen Pennsylvania Avenue, the street in front of the White House, to motor traffic. That was what Bush had called for during his campaign.
“I think this incident will emphasize the need to have a security cordon all around the White House,” said Vincent Cannistraro, an international anti-terrorist consultant.
If you’ve ever visited D.C., then you probably remember that the White House is in the middle of an urban area, near buildings and shops. Such openness makes it vulnerable to possible attacks. Security experts constantly think about how to protect the president — not just from a lone gunman, but from someone with more sophisticated technology. In 1995, President Clinton closed off Pennsylvania Avenue to motor traffic after the terrorist bombing in Oklahoma City. (Pedestrian traffic is still allowed.) Concrete barriers also surround the White House.
