Small Drone Is Found on White House Grounds

New York Times

NEW DELHI — A small aerial drone was found on the grounds of the White House but poses no threat, a spokesman for President Obama said on Monday.

Josh Earnest, the White House press secretary, said he did not have details about the size or type of the drone, but he said the Secret Service was investigating.

While drones are commonly thought of in the context of missile-firing, unmanned vehicles used against terrorists, there is a wide variety of devices that would qualify. Many small flying drones are available on the commercial market and are used as toys.

Mr. Obama and the first lady, Michelle Obama, are on a three-day visit to India, but their daughters, Malia and Sasha, are in Washington. The report of a drone came at a time when other threats to the president’s family or their home have led to concerns about security.

The Secret Service has received heavy criticism for a number of recent security breaches, including an intruder climbing the White House fence last year and reaching the interior of the building before being caught by agents.