WASHINGTON (AP) - The Secret Service on Wednesday investigated a suspicious package left near a gate on the Pennsylvania Avenue side of the White House. The package was noticed just after President Bush left in his helicopter from the South Lawn—on the opposite side of the White House—for a trip to Wheeling, W.Va.
A remote-controlled device was used to probe the package left at a fence that runs along the north side of the White House grounds. "Normal security protocols are in place," Secret Service spokesman Tom Mazur said.
The Secret Service secured the White House and raised its internal alert system by one level during the investigation, a Homeland Security official said, speaking on condition of anonymity because the review was ongoing.
Reporters, cameramen and photographers were told to remain inside the briefing room while officers investigated.
