Reporter jumps ropeline after signing

A reporter was escorted out of a White House event by Secret Service agents on Wednesday afternoon after he approached President Obama to seek an autograph.

At the end of an East Room signing ceremony for legislation funding the State Children's Health Insurance Program, an unidentified member of the media jumped the rope penning off reporters from invited guests in an apparent attempt to get Obama's autograph, according to a White House aide.


Secret Service agents swooped in and stopped him.

The Obama aide said the man was held by Secret Service—but he was later seen in the White House press briefing room under escort of a White House press aide, apparently to retrieve personal belongings and make his way out of the complex.



Secret Service agents were later seen examining the journalist's drivers' license, which suggests he was not a holder of a so-called hard pass, which are given to journalists permanently cleared to enter the White House complex. The reporter also had a black briefcase with him.

There are no details yet on the reporter's name or publication.

VIDEO: Obama signs SCHIP