2024-08-26 06:46:27
Home of the most powerful man on the planet. A building located in the middle of the capital of the United States is practically impossible to penetrate unnoticed. The next part of the Aktuálně.cz series about the world’s most guarded places is devoted to the White House.
Before the presidential residence in Washington got on the list of almost impregnable fortresses, for a few years it was accessible to anyone who happened to be passing by. After the completion of the White House at the end of the 18th century, not even a fence stood here, the first fencing was erected only in 1801. It took another half century for the American authorities to strengthen its protection. Under then-President Franklin Pierce, a new practice came into force – not only the security of the White House, but also its chief, began to be monitored.
A stronger measure came only as a result of the world wars. After the first one, the duties of the Secret Service expanded, and in addition to the president, its agents now also oversee the security of his family. In the 1940s, an anti-aircraft shelter was built in the east wing.
The tightening of security standards has always occurred after a major attack on American soil, for example after the terror of September 11, 2001 or the attempt to break into the seven-hectare grounds surrounding the White House. Now both human and technological power oversee the order.
The fence around the White House has been increasing over the years. | Photo: Profimedia.cz
Currently, the residence of the US president is located behind a 3.3-meter high fence with a concrete underlay that is resistant to impact. Its top is decorated with spikes and pressure sensors that would alert the guards if someone tried to cross it. The land is controlled by infrared cameras, which immediately alert the presence of uninvited visitors. The White House windows are bulletproof and should withstand even semi-automatic weapons.
A rooftop radar monitors activity in the immediate vicinity of the building. There is a no-fly zone for approximately 24 kilometers around the White House. If someone were to disrupt it, the NASAMS air defense system, located in several places in Washington, would intervene.
Attention is also paid to minor threats. All food going into the building is checked or air filtration works here.
Durable bunkers and specially trained dogs
Security is also overseen by human power: the American president is guarded by members of the secret service. Snipers lurk on the roof of the White House, and behind the fence on the public street, plainclothes agents move after dark to make sure no one climbs the fence. If they see something like this, they do not intervene themselves, but alert the officers on the property. A rapid deployment unit patrols the entrance to the White House.
There are guards in the guard houses located on the property, who should be the first to intervene if someone manages to trespass beyond the fence. Specially trained dogs help with securing them. Previously, they worked with German shepherds, later they switched to more energetic and faster Belgian shepherds. The Americans bring them from the Netherlands and they are called constables on duty. Thanks to this, the law also protects them – if someone harms them, they will receive the same punishment as if they attacked an agent, writes the American newspaper Washington Post.
Renovation of the White House during the Truman administration. 50s. | Photo: Profimedia.cz
In case of war, there are two places in the White House that should withstand even a nuclear explosion. There is a bunker called the Emergency Presidential Operations Center in the eastern wing and the Situation Room in the western wing. While the eastern bunker is prepared only in case of evacuation, the western one is used routinely by other members of the president’s administration.
It includes several conference rooms from where presidents talk to foreign leaders on the phone or where they are informed about important events. Barack Obama watched the attack on Osama bin Laden here and Donald Trump learned about the dangerous spread of the coronavirus, according to CNN. During the reconstruction completed last year for 50 million dollars (converted to more than 1.1 billion crowns), a device was added to check that no one brings a mobile phone inside.
Photo author: Aktuálně.cz
A series about the most guarded places in the world
The newspaper Aktuálně.cz will bring a seven-part series about the most guarded places in the world. Thanks to it, readers will get to know archives where the most secret documents lie, shelters in case of natural disasters or impregnable vaults full of gold
Illegal visits are also welcome
Despite all the strict security measures, intrusions into the White House do happen from time to time. During the filming of the sequel to the movie Borat, actress Maria Bakalova entered the building under a fictitious identity at a press conference. Ten years ago, a man jumped the fence and was only caught by the guard inside the building after running through almost the entire ground floor.
You can also get into the White House legally. Any American can get an appointment through their congressman. Foreigners must contact their embassy. However, everyone must do so at least twenty-one days before the required date, so that the Secret Service can check them.
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