Grace Palo

WMAL.com

WASHINGTON — (WMAL) The north side of the White House was placed on a security lockdown on Monday because of a suspicious package, a Secret Service official said.

The partial lockdown on the Memorial Day holiday occurred while President Barack Obama was home.

Reporters were not allowed to leave the White House compound through its northwest gate and flashing lights from emergency responders could be seen nearby, according to the Associated Press.

The official said hazardous material checks were being made.

Obama had visited Arlington Cemetery earlier in the day as part of the annual commemoration for armed services members.

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(Photo: CNN)