'A danger to the President': White House 'intruder' had 800 rounds of ammo

A decorated Iraq War veteran managed to breach the White House grounds while armed with a knife.

16:42 23 September 2014

“Danger to the President” Omar Gonzalez - a decorated Iraq war veteran – was apprehended after he managed to sprint across the White House lawn on Friday, it has now been revealed.

Prosecutors said that he had 800 rounds of ammunition, a machete, and two hatchets in his car. He was tackled by Secret Service agents and was arrested just inside the door.

Federal prosecutor David Mudd said in the proceedings that his "preoccupation with the White House and accumulation of large amounts of ammunition in apparently a short period of time renders him a danger to the president," Mr Mudd said.

At the time of the incident, Barack Obama and his family were away. However, the West Wing was evacuated.

Asked on Monday whether he has confidence in the agency who seemingly did little to stop the suspect getting so close, Mr Obama said: "[The] Secret Service does a great job. And I'm grateful for the sacrifices they make on my behalf and my family's behalf."