Increased security around White House following Trump assassination attempt
WASHINGTON - There has been a noticeable increase in police around the White House and other D.C. landmarks following the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump.
READ MORE: Political expert weighs in on how Trump assassination attempt may impact election
There's been a noticeable increase in police presence around the White House and other D.C. landmarks following the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump Saturday.
Different law enforcement agencies across the District remain on alert.
"Last night, it was disappointing," said Thomas Jacob.
On Sunday evening, Jacob, who’s in town from Orlando, had plans to get a close-up of the White House.
"I’m ready to come here and take a picture and show to my mom but when I got here, everything was empty," Jacob said.
Lafayette Park was empty and closed off to pedestrians. Moments after the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, additional gates and barriers went up around the White House and tourists were pushed back to H and 16th streets.
But things looked different Monday, as pedestrians were walking on Pennsylvania Ave. once again.
"This is my first time here! Seeing the White House has been a lifelong dream," said Ashley Fulmer who’s from Austin, Texas.
A dream that would’ve been crushed if she arrived over the weekend.
READ MORE: Trump arrives at RNC with bandaged ear after assassination attempt
"Not being able to get up close because somebody found it necessary for violence to came into play," Fulmer said "I just think it’s ridiculous and as an American, this is our America. We should be able to get as close as possible."
But we’re not sure about how long this will last. Secret Service Police say periodically that Pennsylvania Ave. and the park will open and close depending on the threat.
"I don’t see how pushing us back further makes it any safer. There is nothing I can do to harm the president or anything from this distance. Another 100 yards that way I don’t see why that all of a sudden would make him safer," said Mark Maxfield, a tourist from Boise, Idaho.
READ MORE: Investigation into how shooter was able to fire at Trump continues
D.C. Police say while there is no known threat, out an abundance of caution, they’re increasing their presence in the city. and people visiting told FOX 5 they feel it.
"There’s lots of security and police officers everywhere so it makes me feel good being here," Fulmer said.
We can expect the temporary barriers at times to go up when there is a concern or potential threat but we're also told that threat could be weather. During a severe weather warning Monday afternoon, the police closed off the park and Pennsylvania Ave. to keep visitors and officers safe.
D.C. police say while there is no known threat, they have increased their presence out an abundance of caution.
Law enforcement officials are working to learn more about the 20-year-old who tried to assassinate former President Trump at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday.