U.S. Secret Service security lapse scandal

Secret Service Director Julia Pierson is facing scathing criticism after a knife-wielding intruder got into the White House. It follows at least 23 other security lapses by the agency in recent years

Sep 30, 2014: Pierson (above) testifies at House Oversight and Government Reform Committee hearing on White House Perimeter Breach: New Concerns about the Secret Service on Capitol Hill

PROMINTENT SECURITY LAPSES

Sep 19, 2014: Omar Gonzalez (left) allegedly climbs White House fence, sprints across lawn, over- powers Secret Service officer and runs about 40 metres into East Room (often used for presidential receptions), before being tackled by security staff

Sep 16: Secret Service fail to notice private security agent with gun – and three prior convictions for assault and battery – sharing elevator with President Obama while on visit to Atlanta

Aug 7: Toddler breaches White House security by squeezing through perimeter fence, sending officers scrambling to intercept him. Agency spokesman jokes: “We were going to wait until he learned to talk, to question him”

Mar 23: Secret Service agent found passed out drunk in hall of hotel in Amsterdam, where he is helping prepare for impending presidential visit. Three agents sent home in shame

Nov 24, 2009: Couple sneak into White House state dinner for Indian prime minister. Tareq and Michaele Salahi shake hands with Obama and pose for photos. Couple were publicising television show

Nov 11, 2011: Oscar Ortega-Hernandez opens fire on White House with semi-automatic rifle. Guards mistakenly conclude shots come from feuding street gangs. Four days later housekeeper discovers bullet holes – seven of them

Apr 11, 2012: More than dozen Secret Service agents in Cartagena, Colombia – there to prepare for Obama’s arrival at summit meeting – caught by local police in their hotel soliciting prostitutes. Ten agents are sacked or retired

Source: Wire agencies
Pictures: Associated Press