A 'Small Drone' Crashed in the White House Grounds

On Monday, February 6, the White House spokesperson reported the crash of an object, which he said was likely an unidentified drone, in the White House grounds. While Barack Obama, the President of the United States, and his wife are traveling to India, the spokesperson stated that the object, which was seized by agents on Sunday night, did not cause any harm to anyone. According to the Associated Press, it is still unclear whether Sasha and Malia, Barack Obama's daughters, were at home with their grandmother Marian Robinson, who lives in the White House, during the drone's landing. White House officials had previously stated that they would remain in Washington for school and classes. White House officials have not yet released any information about the found drone. Josh Earnest, Barack Obama's press secretary in New Delhi, did not deny the discovery of the drone in the White House grounds. Drones come in various sizes and operational uses, with some being very small and designed for reconnaissance or as educational toys. In response to reporters' questions about the drone's discovery, Josh Earnest said, 'White House security agents have seized an object. Initial evidence suggests that the mentioned object did not pose any harm or danger to anyone in the White House.' Police, fire department personnel, and other emergency services were called to the White House grounds in the early hours of the morning, with several gathering at the southeast entrance of the building. The White House building was dark, and all staff and relevant forces were evacuated before being allowed back in at five in the morning. Amidst snowfall, dozens of security agents searched the lawns and landscaping around the White House with bright flashlights. Barack Obama and Michelle Obama traveled to Delhi to participate in India's Independence Day ceremony held on Monday. They are scheduled to visit Saudi Arabia before returning to Washington. The Associated Press further notes that while the dimensions of this incident are still unclear, past breaches of White House security have led to criticisms regarding the effectiveness of the protective service. Last September, after a Texas man armed with a knife breached the White House security barriers and entered the President's residence, Julia Pearson, the director of the U.S. Secret Service, resigned. Following the September incident, an independent panel reviewed the leadership practices and operational methods of the organization, as well as multiple unreported instances of White House security breaches, and recommended that the new head of the organization be hired from outside the agency.