Report: Secret Service could screen visitors blocks away from White House

The Secret Service is considering screening visitors blocks away from the White House, after a man was able to reach the front door of the building on Friday. 

The New York Times reports law enforcement officials are considering setting up checkpoints to screen for weapons before visitors are allowed up to the fence on Pennsylvania Avenue, which the man, who was carrying a knife, hopped over.

The changes would alter the character of the street in front of the White House, which is currently closed to cars but open to bikers, joggers and office workers going by. 

The Secret Service faces criticism for allowing the man, Omar Gonzalez, 42, of Texas, to sprint to the building and get inside the front door before he was tackled. 

Secret Service Director Julia Pierson has ordered a review a of the incident.

“Every day the Secret Service is challenged to ensure security at the White House complex while still allowing public accessibility to a national historical site,” the agency said in a statement on Saturday. “The challenge of securing the White House complex from security threats is ever present. Although last night the officers showed tremendous restraint and discipline in dealing with this subject, the location of Gonzalez’s arrest is not acceptable.” 

Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah) said the incident raises “huge” questions about leadership at the Secret Service.