MOSCOW, (Sputnik) — An unattended package that sent the White House into lockdown early Tuesday has been declared safe, the District of Columbia's Metropolitan Police Department said.
"Clear all streets open… package is clear," the Metropolitan Police said on Twitter.
According to earlier media reports, the Secret Service reported the discovery of a suspicious package in Lafayette Square, adding that a bomb disposal squad had been dispatched to the scene.
US President Barack Obama was reportedly scheduled to give a press conference at 10:00 a.m. (15:00 GMT) at the White House, although it was unclear whether the president was inside at the time of the lockdown.
Safety lapses by the US Secret Service include security breaches and access to the White House gained by outside individuals. The series of blunders led to the resignation of its director and several executives in October 2014 and January 2015.
