The Secret Service abruptly shut down the White House North Lawn without explanation and instructed media to shelter in the briefing room.

Kimberly Halkett, White House correspondent for Al Jazeera English, shared footage.

Check it out:

“Just now on the North Lawn of the White House, the press has been ordered to go into the Press briefing room by security. Not sure why yet,” EWTN correspondent Owen Jensen said.

“Unclear what’s going on, but Secret Service ordered everyone working on the North Lawn of the White House (including the press corps) to go inside. We’re all gathered in the briefing room waiting for information,” Spectrum News national political reporter Taylor Popielarz said.

“Secretary Service has locked down the North Lawn and told press to shelter in the press briefing room,” video journalist Tyler Smith commented.

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According to NewsNation White House and Pentagon producer Jessica Márquez, someone threw a cell phone over the fence.

“Secret Service has cleared out the North Lawn at the White House. Press is currently holding inside the briefing room. A source tells @NewsNation someone threw his cell phone over the fence. Secret Service has cleared out the area until they are sure the phone is safe,” Márquez said.

“Lockdown over Per @PressSec ‘Someone (presumably a tourist) threw their phone over the fence (of the White House),’ USSS has given the all clear. Media now holding for @POTUS departure for Pittsburgh,” Halkett later said.

At the time of writing, the Secret Service has not issued an official statement.

This story is developing. 

 

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