The White House has been the scene of a number of attacks over the years from radical extremists to lovestruck loners and people with mental issues. Here are some of the more famous assaults: • Nov. 1, 1950, two Puerto Rican nationalists shot and killed White House police officer Leslie Coffelt at the nearby Blair House. Coffelt, a former D.C. police officer, fired back and killed one gunman. The other shooter was captured.

• Feb. 17, 1974, U.S. Army Pvt. Robert K. Preston stole a military helicopter from Fort Meade, and hovered over the White House for about six minutes before landing on the South Lawn, near the West Wing. Preston was upset because he was kicked out of Army helicopter training, and staged the incident to show his skill as a pilot.