The Secret Service apologized for an emotional incident Saturday during which hundreds of child cancer patients and their parents were moved out of the park across from the White House, so that President Barack Obama could be driven to an event nearby.
In a statement, agency spokesman Brian Leary said that need to move the group, numbering around 700 for an awareness-raising event and candlelight vigil, was based on “standard US Secret Service protocols” while the President was being transported by motorcade.
The Secret Service did not comment on why the closure for this particular travel was so lengthy, but did apologize:
“The Secret Service would like to express its regret for not communicating more effectively with this group concerning the timeline for protectee movements in the vicinity of Lafayette Park.”
Attendees described scenes of crying children and angry parents being barred from re-entering the park for at least two hours during the time the Secret Service had closed and guarded the area, despite the group having obtained a permit to use the park between 7-9 p.m. Saturday.
Many of the children became tired or needed their medication, and had to return to their hotels with their families.
Such park closures are frequent and also affect the pedestrian area outside the White House. Officers clear the entire area to limit potential threats to the President or dignitaries.
