A small drone flew onto the White House grounds early Monday, causing a lockdown at the compound until the two-foot-wide device was recovered and examined, the Secret Service said.
The latest security breach at the executive mansion came as President Obama and first lady Michelle Obama were visiting India, but their two daughters remained behind in Washington.
The Secret Service statement identified the object as a “quad copter,” a commercially available drone with four propellers.
“There was an immediate alert and lockdown of the complex until the device was examined and cleared,” the statement said. “An investigation is underway to determine the origin of this commercially available device, motive, and to identify suspects.” It gave no further details.
Thank goodness everyone is safe and this didn't escalate into something deadly. It will be interesting to see what additional details emerge post investigation. I was not aware that drones were available commercially for any "Joe Schmoe" to purchase.