Small drone found on White House lawn

A spokesman for US President Barack Obama said Monday a “device” had been found on the grounds of the White House but that it posed no threat.

The New York Times reported the object was apparently a small drone, noting that it may have been a toy or a commercial vehicle that went off course.

Spokesman Josh Earnest said Secret Service agents recovered the object but that early indications were that it did not pose a threat to anyone in the building.

Obama and his wife, Michelle, were on a three-day visit to India, with a stop planned in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday before they return to Washington.

The White House was dark during Monday’s pre-dawn hours and emergency vehicles with lights flashing were clustered near the southeast entrance to the mansion.

A security perimeter had been set up around the White House to restrict access.

The Secret Service had no immediate comment on what it found.