White House Security Scare Forces Reporters Into Briefing Room

Last Updated:April 22, 2026, 22:04 IST

Reporters covering the White House were briefly moved into the briefing room on Wednesday after a security alert prompted action by the United States Secret Service.

Journalists posted updates from inside the White House complex as the situation unfolded, indicating that members of the press had been asked to relocate from outdoor media positions.

Reporters Moved During Security Alert

“Secret Service is moving press into briefing room at the White House because of a security alert of some kind," Libbey Dean posted on X on Wednesday morning.

Minutes later, she posted an update saying: “Secret Service just gave us the ‘all clear.'"

It was not immediately clear what triggered the alert. Initial reports indicated there was no ongoing threat.

White House Yet to Comment

The White House had not immediately provided details on the nature of the incident. Media reports said requests for comment had been sent to officials.

Officer Seen Running Near Perimeter

Ines Pohl also posted on X that activity had been seen outside the White House perimeter.

“Security alert at the White House perimeter," she wrote. “The lawn press tents have been evacuated, and everyone is moving to the press room. No further information is available at this time."

The White House lawn press area is commonly used by journalists covering daily presidential activity and official arrivals.

Comes Days After Barrier Breach Incident

The latest alert comes just days after a man was detained after attempting to breach a security barrier near the White House complex.

According to earlier statements by the Secret Service, the man was stopped after jumping over a construction bollard near the Treasury Building on the northeast side of the complex.

Secret Service Communications Chief Anthony Guglielmi told media outlets at the time: “Shortly after 11:30 a.m., a man was quickly detained by uniformed U.S. Secret Service police officers after jumping over a construction bollard near the Treasury Building on the northeast side of the complex."

Officials said one officer suffered a non-life-threatening injury during a physical altercation. Both the officer and the suspect were taken to a local hospital for evaluation.

Security Around White House Remains Tight

Security measures at the White House remain among the strictest in the United States, with temporary alerts and movement restrictions regularly enforced whenever unusual activity is detected near the complex.

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