Insane Security Features of the White House

Summary

This video offers an in-depth look at the White House's security measures, from bulletproof windows to an underground bunker. It covers historical and modern defenses, including snipers, a no-fly zone, and even rumored secret tunnels. The video also touches on the use of technology like weight sensors and the role of the Secret Service in maintaining the president's safety.

Takeaways

• 🏰 The White House has been continuously upgraded with security features since 1800 to protect U.S. Presidents.
• 🔒 All White House windows are made from bulletproof glass, likely level 8, capable of withstanding military-grade gunfire.
• 🔭 The White House roof is equipped with snipers from the Secret Service's Counter Sniper Team for long-range observation.
• 🚫 The airspace above the White House is a special restricted zone, with strict aviation rules enforced by NORAD.
• 🚨 In case of airspace violations, the White House has been known to deploy Avenger air defense systems with Stinger missiles.
• 🐕 Guard dogs, specifically Belgian Malinois, are used for their agility, bomb detection, and bite force to protect the grounds.
• 🤖 The Department of Homeland Security has considered using robotic dogs at the U.S.-Mexico border, hinting at future security measures.
• 🚫 A 13-foot tall fence with anti-climb technology and pressure sensors was constructed in 2019 to enhance perimeter security.
• 👮‍♂️ The Secret Service Uniformed Division, consisting of around 1,300 agents, patrols the White House and undergoes extensive training.
• 🔥 The White House has a network of secret tunnels and an underground bunker, the Presidential Emergency Operations Center (PEOC), for emergency evacuations.
• 🚁 Marine One, the presidential helicopter, is equipped with ballistic armor and anti-missile features for safe and secure transportation.

Q & A

How many acres of land does the White House complex cover?

The White House complex, specifically the Executive Residence, sits on 18 acres of land.

What is the significance of the number 147 in relation to the White House?

The White House has approximately 147 windows, which are all made from bulletproof glass, providing a challenge for potential threats.

What type of glass is likely used in the White House windows for security purposes?

While not confirmed, it's speculated that the White House windows are made from level 8 bulletproof glass, which is 2.5 inches thick and designed to withstand multiple shots from military-grade automatic firearms.

What is the role of the Counter Sniper Team on the White House roof?

The Counter Sniper Team, a branch of the Secret Service, provides long-range observation and real-time information on any threats to the White House from their position on the roof.

What is the Washington DC Special Flight Rules Area (SFRA) and how does it relate to the White House's security?

The SFRA is a circular area with a 33-mile radius around Washington, where any aircraft flying within must obtain advanced clearance. It's part of the airspace security measures to protect the White House from aerial threats.

What is the significance of the missile battery on the roof of the New Executive Office building near the White House?

The missile battery, believed to be an Avenger air defense system with 8 infrared-guided Stinger missiles, is part of the White House's anti-aircraft force, providing additional security against aerial threats.

Why are Belgian Malinois dogs used by the Secret Service at the White House?

Belgian Malinois dogs are used due to their selective breeding for work capabilities, explosive detection, agility, and their ability to bite, making them effective guard dogs.

What security measures are in place to prevent drone threats near the White House?

DJI drones with geofencing cannot fly in no-go zones like the White House. Additionally, the Secret Service deploys their own drones for protection, and there are strict regulations and surveillance to prevent unauthorized drone activity.

What is the height and cost of the new fence constructed around the White House to enhance security?

The new fence is 13 feet tall and estimated to cost $64 million. It features anti-climb technology and intrusion detection to prevent unauthorized access.

What is the Presidential Emergency Operations Center (PEOC) and its purpose?

The PEOC, located underneath the East Wing, is an underground bunker used for emergencies. It was used by President Bush on September 11th, 2001, to coordinate with the National Security Council in case of further attacks.

What security protocols are in place for visitors wishing to tour the White House?

Visitors must book a tour at least 21 days in advance and undergo background checks. They are required to submit personal information and bring identification. Prohibited items include pointed objects, flags, bags, food, and even martial arts equipment.

Outlines

00:00

🏰 White House: The Fortress

This paragraph introduces the White House as a formidable fortress with a history of continuous security upgrades. It mentions undisclosed security details but confirms the presence of features like roof-top missiles, hidden snipers, and underground bunkers. The video is sponsored by 'Conflict of Nations,' a military-themed online game, and the narrator encourages viewers to support the channel by engaging with the sponsor's offer.

05:02

🔍 Upgrading White House Security

The White House, being expansive and housing numerous windows, is a significant security challenge. However, its windows are made of bulletproof glass, likely of a high level capable of withstanding military-grade gunfire. The paragraph recounts an incident where a man fired at the White House with only one bullet making contact, unable to penetrate the glass. It also discusses the presence of the Secret Service's Counter Sniper Team on the roof, tasked with long-range observation and threat assessment.

10:04

🚫 Restricted Airspace and Anti-Aircraft Measures

The airspace above the White House is a special restricted zone, requiring advanced clearance for any aircraft. The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) enforces this rule, potentially leading to the interception or destruction of unauthorized aircraft. An incident in 2023 involving a Cessna aircraft and the subsequent response by F-16 fighter jets illustrates the strict enforcement of these measures. Additionally, the White House is equipped with anti-aircraft missiles, as revealed by a Google Earth sighting and confirmed during an airspace violation in 2019.

15:04

🐕 Guard Dogs and Technological Defenses

Since 1976, the Secret Service has employed guard dogs, typically Belgian Malinois, known for their work ethic, explosive detection capabilities, and agility. These dogs undergo rigorous training and are integral to the White House's defense. More recently, the deployment of robotic dogs at the U.S-Mexico border suggests a potential future integration of robotic security at the White House. The paragraph also touches on the incident of a drone spotted in the White House grounds in 2015, highlighting the evolving nature of security threats and responses.

20:06

🛑 Physical Barriers and Intrusion Detection

Physical security at the White House includes historical and modern barriers. The original wooden fence has evolved into a 13-foot tall fence with anti-climb technology and intrusion detection. The paragraph recounts an incident where an individual managed to enter the White House grounds, prompting an upgrade in security measures. It also mentions the United States Secret Service Uniformed Division, responsible for external security, and their extensive training and specialization.

25:08

👀 High-Tech Surveillance and Sensor Systems

The White House is protected by an array of high-tech surveillance systems, including rumored infrared sensors that can detect heat signatures and trigger alarms. While the exact nature and location of these sensors are kept secret, their presence adds a layer of security against nighttime intrusions. The paragraph also speculates on the use of weight-sensitive pressure pads in the Oval Office to track the president's movements, though this is unconfirmed.

🍽 Presidential Security in Food and Daily Operations

The president's food security is a critical aspect of White House operations, with measures in place to prevent poisoning. This includes the use of food tasters and the supervision of restaurant staff by Secret Service agents when the president dines out. The paragraph also discusses the potential for secret doors and tunnels in the Oval Office and the White House, although many of these are unconfirmed rumors.

🛤️ Secret Tunnels and the Presidential Bunker

Beneath the White House lies a network of secret tunnels, initially constructed for waste management and later expanded for emergency evacuations. The paragraph delves into the history of these tunnels, including one dug during World War II to connect the White House to the Treasury Building. It also discusses the Presidential Emergency Operations Center (PEOC), an underground bunker built during the Truman administration, which served as a secure location during crises like September 11th.

🚁 Marine One: The Presidential Helicopter

The paragraph concludes with a discussion on Marine One, the call sign for the U.S. Marine Corps aircraft transporting the president. It highlights a historical incident involving a stolen helicopter landing on the White House lawn and contrasts it with the secure and advanced helicopters used today for presidential transport. These helicopters are equipped with ballistic armor and anti-missile systems, emphasizing their role in ensuring the president's safety.

Keywords

💡White House

The White House is the official residence and workplace of the President of the United States. It is a symbol of the U.S. presidency and serves as a key location for the discussion of national and global affairs. In the video, the White House is central to the discussion of security features, as it is portrayed as a 'formidable fortress' with various measures in place to protect the president and the building itself.

💡Bulletproof Glass

Bulletproof glass is a type of reinforced glass that is designed to withstand high-velocity impacts, such as those from firearms. It is often used in applications where security is paramount, such as in the White House. The script mentions that all windows of the White House are made from bulletproof glass, which is likely to be of a high level capable of withstanding multiple shots from military-grade automatic firearms.

💡Counter Sniper Team

A counter sniper team is a specialized group of snipers whose role is to protect a specific area or individual by neutralizing any potential sniper threats. In the context of the video, the Counter Sniper Team of the Secret Service is mentioned as being responsible for long-range observation and real-time information on any threats to the White House. They are stationed on the roof and must qualify monthly by hitting targets at significant distances.

💡Special Flight Rules Area (SFRA)

A Special Flight Rules Area is a designated airspace where aviation rules are more restrictive than in the general airspace. The video discusses the Washington DC SFRA, a circular area with a 33-mile radius around Washington, where pilots must obtain advanced clearance to fly. This is part of the security measures to prevent unauthorized aircraft from entering the airspace above the White House.

💡Avenger Air Defense

The Avenger Air Defense is a U.S. military vehicle-based short-range air defense system. The video references an Avenger air defense system, which includes infrared-guided Stinger missiles, being deployed on the roof of the New Executive Office building near the White House. This system is part of the anti-aircraft measures to protect the area from aerial threats.

💡Belgian Malinois

The Belgian Malinois is a breed of dog that is often used for police and military work due to its intelligence, agility, and strength. In the video, it is mentioned that the Secret Service uses Belgian Malinois as guard dogs at the White House. These dogs are trained to detect explosives and apprehend intruders, showcasing their importance in the security infrastructure.

💡Drone

A drone is an unmanned aerial vehicle that can be remotely controlled or fly autonomously. In the context of the video, drones are discussed as potential security threats, as they can be equipped with explosives and used for attacks. The video also mentions the use of geofencing technology to prevent drones from entering restricted airspace around the White House.

💡Secret Service

The United States Secret Service is a federal law enforcement agency that肩负着保护美国总统、副总统等重要人物的任务。在视频中，Secret Service 被提及为负责白宫安全的机构，包括管理狙击手团队、部署警犬、以及监督总统的食物安全等。他们是白宫安全措施中不可或缺的一部分。

💡Oval Office

The Oval Office is the office of the President of the United States, located in the West Wing of the White House. It is a symbol of the presidency and where the president conducts official business. The video discusses various security features related to the Oval Office, including weight-sensitive pressure pads and rumors of a secret door for emergency evacuation.

💡Underground Bunker

An underground bunker is a fortified structure built below ground level, typically used as a shelter or safe area during emergencies. The video mentions the Presidential Emergency Operations Center (PEOC), an underground bunker located beneath the East Wing of the White House, which serves as a secure location for the president in case of emergencies like terrorist attacks.

💡Marine One

Marine One is the call sign used to designate any United States Marine Corps aircraft carrying the President of the United States. The video discusses the security features of Marine One helicopters, which include ballistic armor and anti-missile systems, providing the president with a secure mode of transportation during emergencies or official travel.

Highlights

Every U.S. president since 1800 has lived in the White House, which has continuously upgraded security features.

The White House's windows are made from bulletproof glass, likely level 8, capable of withstanding military-grade automatic firearms.

Snipers on the White House roof provide long-range observation and real-time threat assessment.

The airspace above the White House is a special restricted zone, with strict aviation regulations enforced by NORAD.

Anti-aircraft missiles are疑似部署在白宫附近，如Avenger air defense系统，配备8枚红外制导的Stinger导弹。

Secret Service uses Belgian Malinois guard dogs, known for their agility, speed, and biting ability.

Drones are a concern for security; the White House has taken measures to counter unauthorized drone flights.

The White House has a 13-foot tall fence with anti-climb technology and pressure sensors to prevent intrusion.

Secret Service Uniformed Division agents undergo extensive training and are responsible for the White House's external security.

Infrared sensors are rumored to detect heat signatures around the White House, enhancing nighttime security.

The president's food is closely monitored for safety, with rumors of food tasters and agents overseeing restaurant kitchens.

The Oval Office may have security features like weight-sensitive pressure pads and potential hidden escape routes.

Underground tunnels and the Presidential Emergency Operations Center (PEOC) provide secure spaces in emergencies.

The White House sees over 1.2 million visitors annually, all of whom undergo stringent background checks and security procedures.

Marine One helicopters, used for presidential transport, are equipped with ballistic armor and anti-missile systems.

The video is sponsored by Conflict of Nations, a military-themed online PVP game, which is offered with exclusive in-game rewards.

Transcripts

NARRATOR: Since 1800, every single president

of The United States has lived and worked in the White House.

It’s a big job that puts a big target on their backs –

so over the years, security features of the White House

have been constantly upgraded.

The exact details are kept pretty confidential,

but from past biographies, public construction records,

and well-timed photos,

we do actually have an idea

of what’s going on behind the front door!

From roof-top missiles, to hidden snipers,

and even underground bunkers,

join me as we take a look at what makes the White House

a formidable fortress.

[intro rolls]

Now, today’s video wouldn’t be possible

without our incredible sponsor: Conflict of Nations.

This military themed online PVP game

is available for free on PC and mobile!

Amidst the chaos of World War III,

you must choose your nation and raise your army

to compete against up to 128 players in real-time battles!

Form alliances and battle enemies as you plan, fight,

and pursue global domination,

with a variety of modern weapon systems at your disposal –

like Nuclear Ballistic Submarines,

Combat Attack Helicopters, Stealth Strike Fighters,

Airborne Infantry Units and many more!

So, wanna play?

Then scan the QR code on screen

or hit the link in the description below

and claim 13,000 gold

and 1 month of Premium Subscription for free!

But hurry, this exclusive offer ends in just 30 days.

And by supporting this sponsor,

you’re directly helping this channel!

Well, now that we’re in the mood for some mighty defence,

let’s begin!

Give It Your Best Shot

Now, you already know the White House is huge.

How huge?

Well, the largest building of the complex –

the Executive Residence – sits on 18 acres of land,

is six-stories tall,

and has a floor space of 55,000 square feet;

that’s around 25 times the size of a standard American house!

And that means it also has a whole lotta’ windows!

Around 147, in fact.

Great for natural light,

but they also present 147 opportunities

for anyone with a gun and a vendetta!

But it ain’t that easy!

Just ask Oscar Ramiro Ortega-Hernandez.

He believed the federal government

was trying to control him through things like GPS chips,

fluoride and aspartame…

the conspiracy theory trifecta!

So in November 2011, he drove across the country from Idaho,

parked his car here and then – without warning -

opened fire on the White House

with a semi-automatic assault rifle.

Despite firing at least 8 rounds,

only one hit a window on the second floor –

but it didn’t penetrate the glass!

Why?

Because every single one of the White House’s windows

is made from bulletproof glass!

It’s not known exactly how sturdy

the White House windows are,

although level 4 bulletproof glass

is strong enough to repel bullets from firearms

more powerful than a handgun.

This being the White House though,

it’s likely they’ve got the best-in-class,

otherwise known as level 8 bulletproof glass.

This stuff is a whopping 2.5 inches thick

and designed to withstand multiple shots

from military-grade automatic firearms.

Well, with any luck, that’ll dissuade

any other conspiracy theorists from just

rocking up with a tin hat and a gun!

You’re In Their Sights

If you’ve ever visited the White House and looked up,

you may have noticed something strange

on the roof of the Executive Residence.

There – can you see it?

This Reddit user was taking a picture

when they spotted what looks like a tripod on the roof…

and then something else way scarier below the tripod.

Any ideas?

Well, that’s a sniper rifle!

Yep, there are snipers on the White House roof!

The Counter Sniper Team is a branch of the Secret Service,

responsible for providing long-range observation

and real-time information on any threats to the building.

It’s unknown how many snipers are on the roof at any one time.

One thing’s for sure though,

anyone up there has a pretty clear shot

over all 18 acres of the compound!

It’s reported that each member of the Counter Sniper Team

must qualify for the job every month

by hitting targets as far as 3,000 feet away!

That’s more than half a mile!

Although these guys are blessed with aim

that Call of Duty snipers can only dream of,

they don’t get much chance to show off their sniping skills.

In fact, never have the Counter Sniper Team

shot a threat on site.

Instead, they’re predominately stationed to monitor

and survey activity around the building!

So, next time you pay a visit to the president’s house

don’t forget to smile, you’re on scope!

As Below, So Above

Now, very few security measures

go over the White House Sniper’s heads… literally.

Because the airspace above the White House

is classed as a special restricted zone.

The Washington DC Special Flight Rules Area, or SFRA,

is a circular area with a 33 mile radius around Washington.

For any aircraft flying within the SFRA,

pilots must obtain an advanced clearance

from the Federal Aviation Administration

to fly in the area.

If they don’t,

the North American Aerospace Defense Command,

or NORAD will issues a warning signal.

If the pilot refuses to divert their course,

they’ll either be intercepted by military aircraft

and escorted to the nearest airport - or … destroyed.

Man, I guess all pilots

are super cautious around here… right?

Well, back in 2023, a Cessna 560 Citation V carrying 4 people,

was on track to enter the SFRA without authorization,

or any communication from the pilot.

Six F-16 fighter jets were scrambled

from Joint Base Andrews,

intercepting the Cessna in just 12 minutes.

It was escorted by the F-16’s

who tried to establish visual communication with the pilot,

but not luck.

10 minutes later, the Cessna crashed in Virginia.

It was theorized the pilot had suffered from hypoxia,

where there wasn’t enough oxygen in the cabin,

causing everyone on board to pass out.

While it was tragic it did show just how formidable

the White House’s air precautions are –

6 jets for 1 plane in just 12 minutes?

I couldn’t even take a shower in that time!

Fire and Power

OK, that Cessna crashed of its own accord –

so how would an aircraft that somehow entered

the no-fly zone be ‘destroyed’?

Well, we got a glimpse of the White House’s

anti-aircraft force when Shepherd Johnson

posted a series of screenshots from Google Earth

on the website ‘Cryptome’.

The images show what appears to be a missile battery.

Badass as it’d be for the White House roof

to be equipped with missiles,

these were actually found on the roof

of the New Executive Office building,

a stone’s throw from the POTUS’ house.

At first, a lot of people didn’t think

this was actually a missile battery –

however, in November 2019,

the White House was placed on full alert

due to an ‘airspace violation’,

as an ominous ‘slow moving blob’ was picked up on the radar.

As a result of this alert, a CBS News reporter

noticed something strange

on the roof of the New Executive Office building.

Reportedly, an air missile system

was deployed on the roof of the building across

from the White House.

It’s believed this particular missile system

is an Avenger air defense.

This bad boy consists

of 8 infrared-guided stinger missiles,

each with a frightening 2-mile range!

Thankfully, we never got to see the full force

of the missile system.

The question is,

what was it that entered the restricted airspace

above the White House?

Another unconscious pilot?

A genuine threat to the White House’s security?

Well, it turned out to be neither.

The ‘slow moving blob’ was actually just a flock of birds.

Boy, those birds don’t know how lucky they were!

Good Boys

Dogs are a man’s best friend…

and also a man’s best bodyguard, if you live in the White House.

Since 1976, the Secret Service have been using guard dogs

to protect the White House’s grounds.

The dog of choice tends to be the Belgian Malinois,

as they’ve been selectively bred over the centuries

to be good workers, effective at detecting explosives,

and agile – capable of clearing 6 ft fences with ease,

and can run at speeds of up to 30 mph!

On top of that, Belgian Malinois’

have been specifically bred for their ability to bite,

meaning there’s nothing more rewarding to them

than clamping down on something!

Sounds great, as long as you’re not the one being bitten!

Each dog stationed at the White House

must complete a 20 week training course,

meaning these guys are trained to know a threat

when they see one.

Don’t believe me?

Well, just ask Dominic Adesanya.

In 2014, he jumped the White House fence

before being swiftly wrestled down by two Belgian Malinois’,

called Hurricane and Jordan.

Terrifying as being attacked by those doggos sounds,

recently, the Department of Homeland Security

posted an article confirming the deployment of robotic dogs

at the U.S-Mexico border.

The 110-pound heavy robot can move at speeds close to 7 mph,

and even come armed with an unmanned rifle

to offer ‘precision fire’ –

ah yes, the answer to what if dogs had guns for heads?

Man, who knows when we might see these android hounds

roaming the White House’s gardens.

Well, real dog or robot dog,

I pity anyone dumb enough to think hopping that fence

is a good idea!

Droning On

Ever wandered outside for a peaceful walk,

when, all of a sudden a

[buzzing sound] Ugh, drones.

They’re everywhere these days!

But these devices can also be used for destruction

if fitted with an explosive.

With that in mind, you might be surprised to hear that in 2015,

a drone was spotted

flying around the gardens of the White House.

Despite a secret service officer ‘hearing and seeing’ the drone,

they were unable to bring it down.

Luckily on this occasion,

the drone belonged to a government employee

who was just a drone hobbyist using the toy after his shift.

The incident, though harmless, did raise concerns

about how easily drones could get close to the White House.

Since then, DJI, the world’s largest drone manufacturer,

introduced geofencing;

Drones that are programmed with geofencing

aren’t able to fly in active no-go zones,

like the White House.

If a drone were to fly towards the building,

its built-in GPS will sense the boundary and stop mid-flight.

The Secret Service have even began deploying their own drones

for protection of the president!

In 2017, while on a golf trip,

former President Trump was followed by a drone.

Unsurprisingly, the Secret Service remained

tight-lipped on the capabilities of the device,

although it did feature electro-optical

and infrared cameras to scan for any threats.

Still, I wouldn’t be all that surprised

if the White House was working on some supersized

weaponized lawn drones!

Sorry doggos, looks like your days might be numbered.

Do Not Climb

Not all the White House defense features are high-tech, though.

In fact, this next security feature goes all the way back

to the start of the 19th century,

just a year after the building was first opened.

Thomas Jefferson was the first president

to erect a simple wooden post and rail fence

around the building in 1801.

Over time, the fences became taller and more robust,

but they haven’t been impenetrable.

In 2014, Omar Gonzalez scaled the fence carrying a knife,

before sprinting across the north lawn

and actually made it inside the White House.

He was hauled down and arrested by security officers

before doing any damage,

but after finding a hatchet machete

and more than 800 rounds of ammunition in his car nearby,

the White House took it as a warning.

To ramp up security,

construction on a new and improved 13 foot tall fence

began in 2019!

Yeah, good luck scaling that!

The new fence, estimated to cost $64 million,

features anti-climb and intrusion detection technology.

There are also rumored to be multiple pressure sensors

on the fence, which alert security

whenever pressure is applied to the bars.

So, this guy wouldn’t stand much chance today!

The Uniform

Have any of you watching

actually been to the White House?

Those of you saying yes,

or more likely staring blankly at the screen

while silently saying yes in your head,

probably remember these guys.

Now, when I went earlier this year,

I thought these guys were the White House’s answer

to Paul Blart.

They kinda look like Mall cops,

but thank god I never decided to test that theory,

because these guys are in fact

part of the United States Secret Service Uniformed Division.

In other words,

these are the security guards of the White House,

ensuring no external threats get near the building.

It’s not known how many are patrolling the White House

at any given time.

However, the Secret Service employs around

1,300 of these guys.

So, chances are, on any given day there’ll be hundreds

of Uniformed Division agents on duty!

That may sound like overkill, but that’s not the half of it.

Each recruit – who must already have extensive experience -

must undergo an intensive 29 week training course,

where they’re then assessed and directed to specialized teams.

This ranges from White House Security,

to Counter Sniper Operations, K-9 units,

Emergency Response and more.

So… the guys I thought of as Upmarket Mall Cops,

are actually trained to do all that?

Yeah… real glad I kept my opinions to myself that day!

Heat Vision

While some of you may think the cover of night

might provide the best opportunity

to try and break into the White House,

you might not have considered one thing…

secret sensors!

Although it’s never officially been disclosed,

multiple news outlets have claimed that infrared sensors

surround the perimeter of the building.

These sensors are apparently able to detect heat signatures,

so can detect human-shaped movement around the building

even at night, and trigger alarms.

While any spy movie fan might conjure up images

of an intruder being detected by a swarm of lasers,

it’s more likely that the infrared sensors

are instead surveilled by a member

of the White House security team.

So, why wouldn’t the Secret Service officially confirm this?

Well, if they revealed the location of the sensors,

anyone dumb enough to try making a move

could potentially plot out a route over the grounds

to avoid them? Or try taking them out?

Regardless, not knowing where they are,

or even if they are, is more scary if you ask me.

Securit-asty

Being the president of the United States,

you can eat whatever you want, whenever you want it.

Yep, that can even mean ice cream for breakfast!

Cool as it sounds, what the president eats is actually

a security concern.

As someone at risk of assassination,

the president is always in danger of being poisoned.

As such, White House Food Tasters

are believed to be employed to test meals and foods for poison.

While the Secret Service has never officially confirmed this,

the Service itself is known to go to great lengths

to ensure the food being served to the President

isn’t tampered with when they’re out in restaurants or on the go.

Should the president go out for a meal –

even just to grab a burger -

a secret service agent who is also a trained chef

watches over all the staff in the kitchen!

In that regard, it’d make sense an official taster

is among their ranks.

What’s more, there was a job advert put out for the role

back in 2020 on the White House’s official LinkedIn!

At George Bush’s presidential opening lunch in 2001,

the New York Times wrote:

‘The president’s tasters were on the job by 6AM…

to make certain no-one was trying to poison him.’

And again in 2013, Barack Obama refused to eat a lobster salad

at his lunch in the Capitol

apparently because his taster wasn’t available.

Hmm, lobster salad!

Never has a security job sounded so delicious!

Into the Oval Office

From a variety of photos and documentaries,

we know the Secret Service aren’t always

in direct contact with the President –

sometimes they just need to conduct business alone

in the oval Office.

While this gives the president some privacy,

how can the agents guarantee the president’s protection

when they’re not in the same room?

Well, political researcher and author Brad Meltzer

claims there are weight-sensitive pressure pads

under the carpet of the Oval Office,

allowing agents to track his movements.

The only problem with that is the Oval office

isn’t completely covered by carpet…

so do agents burst in if the president stands

and stares out the window?

Hmm, seems unlikely.

Though that’s not the only unconfirmed claim.

For decades, there’ve been rumors of a secret door,

allowing the president to escape in case of an emergency.

Many think it’s found under the desk in the Oval Office,

and at 6 feet wide and 4 feet deep,

it’s certainly big enough to hide a big hole!

Although the desk does have a panel at the front

which opens up like a hidden door,

chances are it doesn’t house some hidden stairway to safety.

However, another potential Oval Office escape point

is found on the wall.

Can you spot it?

If you look closely, you’ll see that wall looks suspiciously

like a door!

Now, why would an office need a door to be hidden?

Perhaps it’s an escape point to some secret underground lair?

Well, as much as I’d love to believe that,

this side door actually just leads out to the corridor,

whereas the main door we see here

leads to the president’s study.

That’s disappointing!

But luckily, the rest of the White House

does have some secrets hidden in plain sight…

Secret Tunnels

Big as the White House is, did you know this building

is actually much larger than it looks?

Believe it or not, underneath this building

are a whole host of secret tunnels!

Work first began on an underground tunnel system here

in the early 19th century -

but it’s not the James Bond escape route you’re thinking of.

Nope, the White House’s first tunnel

was constructed to flush out water and waste from the house.

Lovely!

In 1941 during World War 2,

plans were made to dig another big burrow,

due to fears an enemy bombardment

would bury President Franklin D. Roosevelt

under a pile of rubble.

Reportedly, a massive 761-feet long tunnel was created,

allowing the president to evacuated from the White House

to the nearby Treasury Building.

Now, here’s where things get even more interesting.

Supposedly, the basement of the Treasury Building

is also connected to the nearby Treasury Annex.

The tunnel is said to lead out to a locked door

at the back of the Treasury Annex,

found at the end of a long, narrow alleyway on H Street.

If you visit H Street today

you’ll find an alley with a ram-proof vehicle barrier

and bulletproof secret service kiosk.

Seems like an awful lotta protection

for an alleyway, right?

The White House has remained pretty tight-lipped

about its underground burrowing,

so we can’t know for sure how extensive the tunnel system is.

But if their other security measures are anything to go by,

it could be like a maze down there!

A Load of Bunker

Back in the 1950’s,

the Truman reconstruction of the White House

showed the world that there would be

a new subterranean level to this fortress!

Today, that basement houses areas

like the president’s own bowling alley

and a private dentist’s office!

Cool as that is, if you go deeper,

you’ll find something more impressive…

an underground bunker!

It was built around the time one of those

previously mentioned tunnels was dug during World War 2!

Formally known

as the Presidential Emergency Operations Center, or PEOC,

it’s located underneath the East Wing.

The space is used in case of emergencies,

like the fateful day of September 11th 2001,

when President Bush met with his National Security Council

in this bunker, in case of another attack.

Former first Lady, Laura Bush said in her memoir:

‘I was hustled inside and downstairs

'through a pair of big steel doors that closed behind me,

'forming an airtight seal.

'I was now in one of the unfinished subterranean hallways

underneath the White House, heading for the PEOC.’

Photos from 2001 showed the PEOC contained

all the modern communication equipment of the time,

including phones and TVs

to coordinate with external government units.

Unsurprisingly, today, specifics about the PEOC

are highly classified,

but we do know the space to be deep underground.

Reportedly, the most destructive U.S nuclear weapon

could blast up to 1,000 feet below the surface.

So, it’s safe to assume, this bunker

could be at least that far below ground.

That’d make the PEOC around as far underground,

as the Eiffel Tower is tall!

This place is so deep that it requires elevator access!

I mean can you imagine the strain of climbing up

1,000 feet worth of steps?

I can feel my thighs burning just thinking about it!

Get a Good Look

When you think of a secure location,

it’s not normally a place that is visited

by over 1.2 million people per year!

Yet, that’s exactly what happens at the White House.

Visitors enter through the East Wing,

before walking through the Residence

and exploring places like the State Dining Room

and Family Theater.

But normally when you visit a museum or art gallery,

you can just rock up on the day.

That ain’t gonna happen at the White House, though.

You see, anyone that wants to visit

the presidential palace for a tour,

has to book it at least 21 days in advance.

Why?

Background checks.

You need to submit a bunch of personal information,

and bring identification with you on the day

before stepping foot inside the place.

But if you thought that sounded strict,

wait till you hear what items are prohibited

from being brought inside the building!

No pointed objects at all –

including pens and pencils, no flags,

no bags of any kind, no food…

there are a whole host

of seemingly innocent everyday ite-…

hang on, does that say Martial arts?

Are martial arts an object?

Ok well… Sorry Jackie Chan, you can’t be here.

Marine One

While bringing a prohibited pen

into the White House is forgivable,

I’d be far less sympathetic

of someone trying to fly a helicopter

around the building’s perimeter.

Yet, crazy as it sounds,

that’s exactly what happened back in 1974.

Robert Preston was a U.S Army private,

so you’d presume he’d be a fairly responsible fella.

Well, think again.

For some reason, Preston decided it’d be a bright idea

to steal a helicopter from an unguarded airfield,

before flying 20 miles southwest towards the White House,

where he briefly landed on the South Lawn.

Before long he was off again,

except this time he was being chased by a police helicopter.

After deliberating in the air, Preston thought his best bet

was to give himself up

to President Richard Nixon in person.

So, unbelievably he flew all the way back to the White House,

where he parked on the South Lawn again!

As he was landing, the Secret Service opened fire,

lightly wounding Preston.

After that, you’d think the White House

would ban helicopters from their airspace outright,

but today choppers are also used to protect the president.

Specifically, Marine One,

which is the call sign of any U.S Marine Corps aircraft

carrying the president,

usually the Sikorsky VH-3D Sea King, or the VH-60N White Hawk.

You may be wondering where these helicopters come from.

After all, they don’t magically appear out of thin air

to whisk the president away!

Well, Marine Corps Helicopter base is at Quantico, Virginia,

just over 30 miles from the White House.

Considering that current models

are said to fly at speeds greater than 150 mph,

it’d take them just 12 minutes to make the journey

from Quantico to the White House lawn.

Such speed also means these helicopters

can quickly fly the president out of the White House’s grounds

if anything disastrous were to happen.

Yet, speed alone isn’t what makes the Marine One helicopters

such supreme security features.

These choppers are also fitted with ballistic armor

and antimissile features,

making them virtually impossible to shoot down.

Man, I wish my Uber had antimissile features –

would at least make the cost seem worth it!

Before I go, I want to say thanks

to Conflict Of Nations for making this video possible.

To help support the channel

click the link in the description down below

to download this

endlessly entertaining military strategy game.

And don’t forget, you only have 30 days

to claim your exclusive gift.

So don’t miss out!

[outro rolls]

And that's it... as far as we know.

Which security feature did you find the most mind blowing?

Let me know down in the comments below,

and thanks for watching.

[outro rolls]