WASHINGTON — The Secret Service has responded to the gridlock it created Wednesday when a presidential motorcade stopped traffic on the Capital Beltway during the evening commute.
Here’s the statement the Secret Service released:
“The Secret Service works closely with our state and local law enforcement partners in planning for and conducting motorcade movements of our protectees. Although we do not control a protectee’s schedule, we always strive to have the least impact possible on traffic and to make street or highway closures as brief as possible. Despite our best efforts, there are occasions where we cause inconveniences to the general public due to necessary security measures. When these situations occur, we do our utmost to make them the shortest duration possible.”
On Wednesday, a lot of folks ended up getting home a lot later than normal. First the Inner Loop shut down for the motorcade during the height of the afternoon commute.
Traffic then stopped on the Outer Loop after 7 p.m. as the president returned to the White House.
President Barack Obama was attending a fundraiser at a private home in Potomac, Maryland.
