The North Lawn of the White House was briefly locked down Tuesday morning after an individual—believed to be a tourist—threw a cellphone over the perimeter fence, triggering an immediate security response from the U.S. Secret Service.
According to NewsNation reporter Jessica Márquez, the lockdown lasted approximately 30 minutes before the Secret Service gave the all-clear and reopened the area.
Members of the press were held inside the Brady Briefing Room during the sweep.
“Secret Service has cleared out the North Lawn at the White House. Press is currently holding inside the briefing room,” Márquez posted to X.
“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.”
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, via journalist Kimberly Halkett, confirmed the nature of the incident:
“Someone (presumably a tourist) threw their phone over the fence (of the White House),” Leavitt said.
“USSS has given the all clear. Media now holding for [President Trump’s] departure for Pittsburgh.”
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. pic.twitter.com/e5ZME6B1XJ
— Owen Jensen (@owentjensen) July 15, 2025
The lockdown caused temporary confusion and heightened security around the West Wing, though no injuries or damage were reported.
The Secret Service has not yet issued an official statement on the matter or identified the individual responsible.
The incident is the latest in a series of minor security breaches that have occurred near the White House perimeter in recent years, underscoring the challenges of maintaining security at one of the world’s most visited and watched landmarks.
