Advertisement

Alleged White House fence jumper indicted

Omar Gonzalez, the man who the Secret Service said jumped the fence at the White House, was indicted Tuesday on federal and local charges.

By Heather Records
Julia Pierson, Director of the Unites States Secret Service, testifies during a House Oversight and Government Reform Committee hearing on the Secret Service and the recent security breach, on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. on September 30, 2014. UPI/Kevin Dietsch
Julia Pierson, Director of the Unites States Secret Service, testifies during a House Oversight and Government Reform Committee hearing on the Secret Service and the recent security breach, on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. on September 30, 2014. UPI/Kevin Dietsch | License Photo

WASHINGTON, Sept. 30 (UPI) -- The 42-year-old Army veteran who the Secret Service said jumped the fence at the White House almost two weeks ago has been indicted.

Omar Gonzaelz is now facing federal as well as local charges for jumping the building's fence and barging into the White House with a knife Sept. 19.

Advertisement

Gonzalez made it through much of the first floor of the White House, making it as far as the building's East Room.

When first arrested, Gonzalez was charged with "unlawfully entering a restricted building or grounds, while carrying a deadly or dangerous weapon."

Tuesday, the grand jury indicted him on that federal charge plus two more for breaking District of Columbia law: carrying a dangerous weapon outside a home or place of business and unlawful possession of ammunition.

Also on Tuesday, Secret Service Director Mary Pierson testified before the House Government and Oversight Committee about recent lapses in security at the White House.

If convicted, Gonzalez faces up to ten years in prison on the federal charge, and five years on the weapons charge. The ammunition charge is punishable by a year behind bars.

Advertisement

Gonzalez will be back in court Oct. 1.

Latest Headlines