A recent history of random objects chucked over Washington’s most guarded fence.
July 4, 2015
What was thrown: A clear liquid, into the air, onto passersby, and over a barrier.
What happened: After being detained, the rogue splasher claimed it was holy water meant to bless President Obama.
November 10, 2015
What was thrown: An unidentified small projectile, launched via slingshot.
What happened: It could have been more serious: Police discovered that the man also had an unregistered revolver.
March 21, 2016
What was thrown: A yellow tennis ball.
What happened: The perp told Secret Service agents he meant to pitch the ball at First Lady Michelle Obama. He was charged with public intoxication, among other offenses.
May 30, 2016
What was thrown: A canister filled with powder and documents.
What happened: White House lockdown. The thrower was taken for psych evaluation, and the powder turned out to be sugar.
August 28, 2016
What was thrown: A straight razor.
What happened: After throwing it, the man hopped the barrier to retrieve the implement, which he later told police was for “shaving and protection.”
This article appears in the November 2017 issue of Washingtonian.
Rosa is a senior editor at Bitch Magazine. She’s written for Washingtonian and Smithsonian magazine.
