Washington, D.C. – A formal lab test has confirmed that the white substance discovered at the White House on Sunday evening is indeed cocaine, according to Secret Service spokesman Anthony Guglielmi. The discovery of the illicit substance in a heavily trafficked area of the West Wing has prompted an ongoing investigation to identify those responsible.
The timeline of the incident and the number of individuals who pass through the area where the cocaine was found present challenges in determining the culprit, as per an official familiar with the investigation.
The bag containing the cocaine is currently held at a federal laboratory, where it will undergo further testing for DNA and fingerprints. Additionally, a comprehensive chemical analysis will be conducted on the substance. The Secret Service is leading the investigation, utilizing surveillance footage and entrance logs to aid in the probe. However, officials caution that the complex nature of the case may result in an inconclusive resolution if no forensic evidence is discovered to pinpoint the responsible individual.
The small zippered bag containing the cocaine triggered a brief evacuation on Sunday evening, as reported by a Secret Service official. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre addressed the incident, emphasizing that the investigation falls under the jurisdiction of the Secret Service. She expressed confidence in their ability to uncover the truth and stated that appropriate actions will be taken pending the outcome of their findings.
Jean-Pierre confirmed that President Joe Biden was briefed on the situation, although he and his family were not present at the White House during the discovery, as they were at the presidential retreat in Camp David, Maryland.
Concerning the security of the White House, Jean-Pierre underlined that the heavily trafficked area where the cocaine was found is frequently accessed by visitors and highlighted that staff-sponsored tours took place on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas addressed a letter to Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle, requesting information regarding the location of the cocaine and raising inquiries about White House access, past instances of illegal substances being found, and security protocols. Cotton urged the Secret Service to provide answers by July 14, emphasizing the importance of ensuring the security of the White House complex.
The discovery of cocaine during routine patrols has sparked an urgent investigation into the breach of security at one of the most iconic buildings in the United States. As the inquiry progresses, authorities aim to unravel the circumstances surrounding the presence of the illicit substance within the White House, a symbol of the nation’s highest executive office.
Sources By Agencies
