The Secret Service is currently investigating reports that protestors managed to gain access to the hotel building where Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is staying in Washington, DC. The protestors allegedly released bugs in the hotel and pulled fire alarms, as per a source familiar with the matter.
Fortunately, there were no threats to Secret Service protectees, which include Netanyahu, as confirmed by a spokesperson from the Public Safety Joint Information Center. The spokesperson also mentioned that despite the incident, the Watergate facility remains open for businesses, residences, and guests.
It has been revealed by sources familiar with the security plans that the conference room where the protest group claims to have released bugs was not within the area secured for Netanyahu's visit by federal, Israeli, or local security services.
A pro-Palestinian group has posted a video online, purportedly showing the bugs released at the Watergate Hotel where Netanyahu is currently staying.
The fire alarms that were pulled on Tuesday night were reportedly quickly disabled. This was possible because an official from the DC Fire Department happened to be present at the hotel for Netanyahu's visit.
When reached for comment, the Israeli Embassy in Washington declined to provide a statement. Additionally, the Secret Service did not respond to inquiries regarding the incident.
