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US to add second layer of steel spikes to White House fence

This handout image provided by the National Capital Planning Commission shows a diagram of a proposal for a temporary fence improvement at the White House. The Secret Service is planning to attach a second layer of steel spikes to the top of the White House fence to keep would-be fence jumpers out. The plan to improve security along the White House perimeter is described in a project proposal submitted by the National Park Service to the National Capitol Planning Commission. (National Capital Planning Commission via AP) This handout image provided by the National Capital Planning Commission shows a diagram of a proposal for a temporary fence improvement at the White House. The Secret Service is planning to attach a second layer of steel spikes to the top of the White House fence to keep would-be fence jumpers out. The plan to improve security along the White House perimeter is described in a project proposal submitted by the National Park Service to the National Capitol Planning Commission. (National Capital Planning Commission via AP)

By Associated Press May 7, 2015 1 min read

WASHINGTON (AP) – The Secret Service is planning to attach a second layer of steel spikes to the top of the White House fence to keep would-be fence-jumpers out.

The plan to improve security along the White House perimeter is described in a project proposal submitted by the National Park Service to the National Capitol Planning Commission.

The commission is expected to approve the plan at a hearing Thursday. The half-inch steel spike additions will be snapped into place at the top of the fence and protrude outward, according to a diagram included in the proposal submitted for the Secret Service.

Changes to the fence are being made months after a Texas man armed with a knife was able to climb over the barrier and run deep into the White House.