Update: Drone Causes White House Lockdown

A drone about 2 feet in diameter caused a two-hour lockdown at the White House early Monday morning.

The frenzy it created was much larger than the drone itself.

It has come to light that the drone was being operated by an off-duty staff member of a National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency He was reportedly intoxicated at the time of the incident and lost control of the drone.

Several emergency vehicles were called to the scene. Secret service officials searched the grounds with flashlights, looking for more flying objects that might have landed on the White House lawn.

The drone was not dangerous—but it’s raising questions about future security problems.

It’s the last thing the White House security staff needs. The storm has finally died down from the fence-hopping intruder, who might as well have waltzed through the front door.

Drones, which can be purchased as glorified toys, are easily equipped with cameras for aerial photography or surveillance.

Photos taken at the White House could pose a privacy threat to the Obama family.

The President and his wife missed the commotion. They are traveling in India. However, his daughters may have been at home. Their location has not been released by White House staff.

Updated Jan. 27 5:35 p.m.