The recent discovery of cocaine at the White House has sparked an investigation by the Secret Service, revealing that the illicit substance was found in the West Wing lobby, the entrance used
by guests before embarking on private tours. This new information sheds light on the circumstances surrounding the finding.
The Secret Service is currently looking into how the cocaine made its way into the White House and who may have been responsible for bringing it in. The suspicious powder, later confirmed to be cocaine through testing, was found on Sunday evening while President Joe Biden was away at the Camp David presidential retreat. As a precautionary measure, a brief evacuation took place.
Anthony Guglielmi, a spokesman for the Secret Service, confirmed on Wednesday that the cocaine was discovered within the West Wing lobby, which serves as a reception area for visitors.
Guests and staff who receive authorization to enter the White House, particularly the West Wing, must undergo background screenings. Additionally, individuals are subjected to metal-detector screenings upon entering the White House premises. In the White House lobby, visitors are requested to store their cellphones in designated boxes.
During an Oval Office bilateral meeting with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, President Biden did not respond to reporters' questions regarding the cocaine discovery.
According to White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, West Wing tours were conducted on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. She declined to speculate on the identity of the individual who brought the illegal substance into the White House and refrained from commenting on whether the responsible party should face prosecution.
"I'm just not going to engage in hypotheticals at this point," Jean-Pierre stated. "We will let the Secret Service do their job. It falls under their jurisdiction, and we have confidence that they will thoroughly investigate the matter."
Jean-Pierre emphasized that neither the president, the first lady, nor the first family were present at the White House during the weekend when the incident occurred. President Biden was briefed on the situation by staff members.
"The location where the substance was discovered is a heavily trafficked area, frequented by many visitors to the White House, particularly the West Wing," Jean-Pierre added. "I don't have any further details to share. The Secret Service is actively investigating the matter."
She concluded by stating, "The president believes it is crucial to uncover the truth behind this incident." Photo by Josh Berglund from Richardson, United States, Wikimedia commons.