The Secret Service was slow to realize that shots were indeed fired at the White House in November 2011, resulting in a poorly-conducted investigation, according to an extensive Washington Post report published on Saturday.
According to the Post, when the gunman fired shots at the White House, the Secret Service rushed to respond. But agents were then told to “stand down” because the Service believed the noise came from a construction site.
The Secret Service then said that the shots were from a gang gunfight near the White House, even though at least seven bullets had actually struck the building. According to the Post, it took four days for the Secret Service to realize that bullets hit the White House after a housekeeper noticed a broken window.
The First Lady and the President were reportedly “infuriated” with the Secret Service response to the shooting. Sasha Obama was home at the time, along with Michelle Obama’s mother, Marion Robinson.
Read the Washington Post’s full investigation here.
