More than two-thirds of American fencing profits come from residential properties. One American home in particular is going to get a major upgrade on its fence.
The Associated Press reports that the White House fence will soon have sharp metal spikes to ward off intruders. Installation of the spikes began on July 1st and is projected to be completed by August.
In what the Secret Service calls a “temporary” security measure, the spikes are meant to protect the White House until a permanent security layout is determined. Permanent security improvements will be submitted to the Commission of Fine Arts and National Capital Planning Commission by the fall for consideration.
The spikes are an apparent response to two high-profile intrusions into the White House during the past year. Last September, a man was able to scale the fence and reach the Executive Mansion before being apprehended by the Secret Service. Last April, another man climbed over the fence but only made it to the White House lawn before being arrested.
The announcement of the spikes was coupled with another major announcement regarding White House security. For the first time in 40 years, the White House will allow tourists to take photos during public tours on certain devices. Unlike the announcements regarding the spikes, which was made as a press release from the Secret Service and the National Park Service, this announcement came from First Lady Michelle Obama’s Instagram account.
In a video, Obama told the cameras that “if you’ve been on a White House tour, you may have seen this sign,” holding up a sign that stated “No Photos or Social Media Allowed.” She quickly added “Well, not anymore,” before tearing the sign in half. Not only will visitors be allowed to take photos, they will also have the right to post them on social media.
Now, instead of the sign Obama referenced in her video, the White House halls are adorned with signs that state things like “Photography is Encouraged.”
However, due to security concerns and the damage intense light can have on artwork, video cameras, detachable lenses, tablets, tripods, monopods, camera sticks, live-streaming devices, and flash photography of any kind are still prohibited.