The White House was placed on lockdown on Monday after a man climbed over a security barrier and dropped a backpack, officials say. Surrounding streets have been cordoned off as a precaution.
The incident happened at about 1 p.m. ET on Monday on the south side of the White House complex, according to the Secret Service. The suspect was taken into custody almost immediately after he dropped the backpack.
It was not immediately clear why the man jumped the security barrier or what, if anything, is inside the backpack. The Ellipse, which is a park near the White House, has been closed to the public as a precaution.
Other streets in the area have also been cordoned off while authorities investigate the incident.
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