A fence-scaling incident at the U.S. Treasury Building yesterday led to closures and a law enforcement investigation after a suspect was apprehended. According to DC News Now, the individual climbed the Treasury's southeast fence around 2:30 p.m. and dropped a bag on the sidewalk, prompting concerns from the U.S. Secret Service (USSS).
Officers took the person into custody shortly after the incident. "Out of an abundance of caution, the bag was treated as suspicious," the USSS noted. The Metropolitan Police Department's Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team was called in and subsequently cleared the item, ensuring that the Treasury complex was safe. The suspect has been taken to a hospital for a medical assessment and is facing charges related to the event, "including unlawful entry and fugitive from justice due to an outstanding warrant from another jurisdiction," officials told DC News Now.
Additional details provided by WUSA 9 confirm that the area around the building was temporarily shut down during the investigation. Authorities have since lifted all closures and there have been no reports of immediate threats to the public following the incident.
The location of the Treasury building, bordering the White House, underscores the sensitivity of the breach. However, officials confirmed that "no Secret Service protectees were at the White House complex during the incident," as stated in a coverage by CBS Austin. The quick response by the USSS and the subsequent investigation ensured the episode concluded without further security concerns.
