White House Intruder Arrested Near Trump's Residence

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The White House seen from outside the north lawn fence in Washington September 22, 2014. Reuters

UPDATED | An intruder carrying a backpack entered the White House grounds and was arrested by U.S. Secret Service agents at an entrance near the president's residence, CNN reported on Saturday morning.

President Donald Trump, who was in the White House at the time, was not in any danger from the security breach, which occurred around midnight, the cable television network reported.

Trump told reporters on Saturday that the United States Secret Service did a "fantastic job" stopping the intruder who scaled a White House fence late on Friday and entered the grounds.

Trump said he was told about the intruder on Friday night, and called the intruder a "troubled person."

In a statement read over CNN, the Secret Service said the suspect gained entrance to the grounds on the south side near a portico from which presidents often address the public. The entrance is near the president's residence.

The backpack carried by the intruder was screened and searched, and no hazardous material was found, according the statement.

Security for reporters entering the White House appeared to be normal on Saturday morning.

This article has been updated to include President Trump's comments.

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