Worse than first stated: White House intruder 'got close to Obama’s living quarters'

Omar Gonzales, the White House intruder, ran through the main door and got close to Obama’s living quarters.

14:33 30 September 2014

White House intruder Omar Gonzales managed to run through the main door and got close to Obama’s living quarters, it has now been revealed. Officials confirmed that contrary to previous reports, the man raced through several rooms before he was finally tackled.

New details confirm that Gonzales was armed with small knife and run through much of the presidential mansion’s main floor. This is in contrast with an incident report released by Secret Service, which said that the man was "physically apprehended after entering the White House North Portico doors".

Gonzales jumped over the fence and headed for the front door. He then ran past the guard, ran across the main hall, and went straight ahead to the Obama’s living quarters. He entered the East room and reached the door to the Green Room. It was here that counter-assault agent tackled him.

The security breach is expected to dominate questioning when Secret Service Director Julia Pierson appears before a House committee.

Republican congressman Jason Chaffetz, who chairs a House subcommittee on national security oversight, said: "I'm worried that over the last several years, security has gotten worse - not better.”