Quadcopter Crashes at White House Spurring Response and Investigation

Quadcopter that crashed on White House grounds on Monday. Image-Secret Service
Quadcopter that crashed on White House grounds on Monday. Image-Secret Service

A drone crash on the White House grounds closed the complex putting it in lock-down on Monday morning. The crashing drone also spurred a Secret Service investigation.

A Washington D.C. man came forward and claimed responsibility for the wayward drone, saying he lost control of the airborne radio-controlled vehicle just before it crashed on to the White House grounds. He fully cooperated with the investigators.

The Secret Service stated that the “initial indications are that this incident occurred as a result of recreational use of the device.” But S.S. spokesperson Nicole B. Mainor added, “This investigation continues as the Secret Service conducts corroborative interviews, forensic examinations and reviews all other investigative leads,” and also said that the case is being forwarded to the U.S. Attorney’s office for possible prosecution.

President Obama and his wife were not present at the White House when the incident occurred, they are currently touring India. Their two children, Malia and Sasha were at the White House however, in the care of their grandmother Marian Robinson.

Emergency vehicles as well as police and fire departments responded to the scene before light this morning to investigate the incident, and Secret Service scoured the grounds.

The unmanned radio control drone is identified as a DJI Phantom 1.1.1 Quadcopter, a popular model among enthusiasts.