The White House has just reopened after secret service officials declared the area safe. It had been shut down briefly late this afternoon due to a suspicious unattended package that was found near the north fence line.
White House staff were held in the press briefing area while the secret service investigated the package and ran a sweep of the grounds and building. Nearby Lafayette Park, located across the street from the White House, was also evacuated and is expected to open soon, secret service officials said.
President Obama was never in danger. He is currently in New York City, and Joe Biden is also out of town. The lockdown was first reported at 3:50 p.m. on Thursday.
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