Following New DHS Report on September White House Breach, Norton Calls for Immediate Top-To-Bottom Review of Secret Service

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Following yesterday's release of the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) investigation into the Secret Service's response to the White House breach by Omar Gonzalez, Norton called for an immediate top-to-bottom review of the Secret Service that focuses on "internal and seriously flawed systemic problems" with the agency. The DHS report, released yesterday, pointed out numerous security lapses, including malfunctioning radios and alarm systems, and unprepared agents.

"The DHS report went well beyond the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee hearing on the Secret Service in exposing that much more went wrong than we knew on the fateful night when Omar Gonzalez jumped the White House fence and made his way well inside the residence," Norton said. "The men and women in the Secret Service are among the most courageous in the federal service and deserve our strong support. However, the Secret Service itself deserves, and needs, much more than an investigation of one event. This new DHS investigation that showed multiple points where Gonzalez could have been stopped reveals a need for a top-to-bottom investigation of the agency itself. It would be the first in its history. The Secret Service could not have so many mistakes in one night if there were not internal problems of organization, readiness, resources, and perhaps more. The only issue laid to rest in this investigation is the proposition that security for the White House could be improved if public access is further limited. This investigation is valuable for the insights it provides and the signal it gives for a full investigation of the Secret Service. The outside panel has much more work to do. "

In October, Norton sent a letter to the White House Security Review Panel, asking them to use the "least restrictive means necessary to address security concerns" as they reassess security around the White House perimeter. Norton said that it is possible to increase the height and change the shape of the fence while keeping it consistent with its historic authenticity, considering security concerns.

Following the breach by Omar Gonzalez of the White House fence and ahead of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee hearing on the matter, Norton toured the White House perimeter to see for herself whether public access was being safeguarded or if the first target for fixing White House security was the public.

Following the Oklahoma City bombing in 1995, the Secret Service closed the entire area around the White House to public access. However, Norton worked with the White House and the National Park Service to widen the road on E Street at the back of the White House, and maintained the access across E Street, a major thoroughfare for the city and the region. However, the road was summarily closed after 9/11 and the Secret Service has since found no way to reopen this road. Norton said that Pennsylvania Avenue in front of the White House must remain open to pedestrian access.