WASHINGTON, June 24 (Xinhua) -- The White House lockdown was lifted about one hour after a suspicious package was found outside the gate on Monday, and streets nearby were also reopened, the authorities said.
At about 11:30 a.m. local time, the U.S. Secret Service said they were investigating the package located on Pennsylvania Avenue in front of the White House, closing pedestrian traffic in nearby streets and Lafayette Square opposite the White House.
Reporters at the White House were ushered into the briefing room a short time after 11 a.m., but they were not given any information.
About one hour later, the Secret Service said the area was safe and the lockdown and road closures were lifted.
It was the second time for the White House to be placed on lockdown in less than a week. A man was arrested and charged with unlawful entry after dropping a backpack near the White House last week. Local media said the authorities were planning to raise the height of the White House fence.
