Secret Service locks down White House briefly over 'suspicious' item

June 24 (UPI) -- The U.S. Secret Service briefly locked down the White House early Monday afternoon due to a suspicious package on the grounds along Pennsylvania Avenue, officials said.

Pedestrian traffic was closed along the avenue between 15th and 17th streets, including Lafayette Park on the White House's north side. News media were gathered in the briefing room and told not to go outside, as agents and at least one dog swept the area.

President Donald Trump was at the White House at the time. His schedule shows he was taking photos with 2019 Presidential Scholars when the White House was locked down.

The Secret Service later said the device was found to be harmless and restrictions would soon be lifted.

Monday's lockdown came five days after a man jumped the fence at the presidential residence and tried to leave a backpack on the secure grounds. He was arrested.