On February 3 at approximately 4:20 p.m., a man was arrested by the U.S. Secret Service after climbing an outer fence on the South Grounds of the White House. Witness David Stanley captured the entire incident on video and shared it on X (formerly Twitter), stating the man shouted “F*** it” before scaling the fence. According to Stanley, rooftop snipers reacted immediately, and K9 units raced across the lawn as Secret Service agents moved in to detain the individual. The man’s identity has not yet been disclosed, and it remains unclear whether he will face criminal charges. The Secret Service confirmed the arrest and noted that the incident would undergo a standard review to assess current protective protocols and agency response.

This event occurs amid heightened scrutiny of the U.S. Secret Service following the July 2024 assassination attempt on then-presidential candidate Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania. An independent panel reviewing the incident criticized the agency for “deep flaws” and systemic issues, including poor critical thinking, unclear security responsibilities, and a culture resistant to reform. The panel recommended sweeping leadership changes and a renewed focus on the agency’s protective mission. In response to the Butler incident, President Trump nominated Sean Curran—head of his personal security detail and one of the agents who shielded him during the assassination attempt—to lead the Secret Service. Trump praised Curran’s appointment as an “honor,” highlighting the ongoing effort to reform and refocus the agency following a period of intense public and institutional criticism.