Permanent Lafayette Park fence in play after assassination attempts

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The White House is in talks about erecting permanent fencing around the public square across from the mansion, amid heightened concerns about security following several assassination attempts against President Donald Trump.

Fencing would go around Lafayette Square and areas on Pennsylvania Avenue near the White House, but the decision is still awaiting Trump’s approval, according to CBS News. The development comes after the president said earlier this week he is “No. 1 on the kill list for Iran,” and a gunman opened fire near the White House in late May, rattling officials, alongside a shooter whom officials say sought to assassinate Trump at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner in April.

A White House official told the Washington Examiner that there “are always discussions ongoing about how to make the White House Complex as safe as possible.”

“However, nothing is confirmed at this time. Any projects that are pursued will go through the necessary review process,” the official said.

The Washington Post previously reported that the White House is considering installing permanent fencing along the north and south sides of the park, making it easier to close the park to the public where Pennsylvania Avenue intersects 15th and 17th streets NW, should security concerns arise. The White House currently relies on temporary fencing that it erects for events or other situations that warrant heightened security. A permanent barrier would allow the Secret Service to prevent pedestrian access in front of the White House more easily.

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