Witnesses say much of the White House was evacuated Friday night by Secret Service agents after an intruder jumped the fence.

President Barack Obama and his daughters had left the White House shortly before the security incident aboard Marine One on their way to Camp David, the presidential retreat in Maryland where Obama and his family were to spend the weekend.

White House staffers and Associated Press journalists inside the West Wing were evacuated by Secret Service officers with their weapons drawn. One agent who was there said a person had jumped over the fence on the

north side of the presidential residence.

The people who were evacuated later were allowed to return to the White House, but the area remained closed to pedestrians.

Further details were not immediately available.

Last week, on the anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks, the Secret Service apprehended a man who jumped over the North Fence of the White House. Officers drew their firearms and used a service dog as they took the man in custody.

Reporters say they were able to re-enter the White House a short time after they were evacuated during that event.

Material for this report came The Associated Press.

 
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