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Prosecutor: White House fence-jumper 'a danger to the president'

White House fence-jumper Omar Gonzalez had 800 rounds of ammo, two hatchets and a machete in his car when he was arrested, a prosecutor said.

By Frances Burns
Omar Gonzalez, charged with jumping the White House fence, was arrested in Virginia in July with a sawed-off shotgun and rifle in his car, prosecutors said, calling Gonzalez "a danger to the president. UPI/Andrew Harrer/Pool
Omar Gonzalez, charged with jumping the White House fence, was arrested in Virginia in July with a sawed-off shotgun and rifle in his car, prosecutors said, calling Gonzalez "a danger to the president. UPI/Andrew Harrer/Pool | License Photo

WASHINGTON, Sept. 22 (UPI) -- Omar Gonzalez, charged with jumping the White House fence, was arrested in Virginia in July with a sawed-off shotgun and rifle in his car, prosecutors said.

At a hearing Monday, a judge ordered Gonzalez, a homeless veteran, held without bail for at least 10 days. Prosecutors in Virginia are now trying to revoke the bail granted after his July 19 arrest.

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Gonzalez allegedly got into the White House through the North Portico before he was apprehended Saturday. Police said he was carrying a folding knife and that a search of his car turned up 800 rounds of ammunition, a machete and two hatchets.

He was also stopped outside the fence in August while carrying a hatchet, Assistant U.S. Attorney David Mudd said. On that occasion, Gonzalez gave police permission to search his car and they found two dogs and camping equipment.

Mudd called Gonzalez "a danger to the president." He said Gonzalez has a "preoccupation with the White House."

Gonzalez, dressed in an orange jumpsuit, was quiet during the hearing. His lawyer turned down a mental health evaluation.

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