– Lethal force? –
Issa also noted other embarrassing lapses by Secret Service agents, including a 2012 prostitution scandal in Colombia ahead of a visit by Obama, and drunk agents in the Netherlands last March.
The 2011 incident was the subject of an explosive recent Post report highlighting how long it took for the Secret Service to determine that the White House was struck by gunfire while one of Obama’s daughters was inside.
Pierson acknowledged that while witnesses saw a man firing shots toward the White House, it was not until “three to four days later” that the Secret Service discovered the mansion had been hit.
Some lawmakers suggested that Pierson, who served for decades as a Secret Service officer before becoming chief, sought to cover up agency lapses that led to the most recent breach.
“I wish to God you protected the White House like you protected your reputation here today,” House Democrat Stephen Lynch boomed. “I have very low confidence in the Secret Service under your leadership.”
Republican Jason Chaffetz, who heads the panel’s national security subcommittee, told Pierson that “overwhelming force” – not “restraint” – should be used.
“If the would-be intruder cannot be stopped by a dog or intercepted by a person, perhaps more lethal force is necessary,” he said.
Most White House fence-jumpers — there have been 16 in the last five years — are unarmed and swiftly apprehended.
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