Man claims he ‘dropped explosives’ near White House, Secret Service says

The Secret Service said a Washington man has been charged with making a felony threat after he told an agent he “dropped explosives” along the north side of Pennsylvania Avenue near Lafayette Square and the White House.

The incident unfolded at 9:24 a.m. when officials said a Secret Service officer patrolling in the area was told by a man, later identified as 33-year-old Ervin Pettaway, that he had put explosives there.

Pettaway was taken into custody, authorities said, and the area was checked. A cellphone was found that authorities said Pettaway had dropped.

The White House was placed on a brief lockdown and streets in the area were closed. The lockdown was lifted and streets reopened before 10:30 a.m.

Pettaway faces one count of felony threats, the Secret Service said.

UCJ, UNILORIN.