Man Shot by Secret Service at White House Reaches Plea Deal

Footage from May 20 shows Jesse Olivieri with a gun his right hand by his side, ignoring officers' warnings to stop

A Pennsylvania man shot by Secret Service at a White House gate earlier this year after refusing to drop a gun accepted a plea deal in the case.

Jesse Olivieri, 31, of Ashland, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty Monday to resisting or impeding officers with a dangerous weapon, according to the U.S. attorney's office. Under federal sentencing guidelines, he likely faces between eight and 14 months in prison and could be fined up to $40,000, prosecutors said in a statement. No sentencing date was set.

Olivieri was shot after approaching the gate May 20. He was hospitalized following the shooting. Tuesday's plea hearing took place at a hospital where he is receiving treatment. An attorney for Olivieri did not immediately return a telephone call.

Surveillance footage from May 20 shows Olivieri walking toward the south entrance of the White House with a gun on his right side. Officers ordered him to stop, but Olivieri ignored those commands. 

A Secret Service special officer shot Olivieri and his gun — identified in an affidavit as a loaded .22-caliber semiautomatic — was kicked away from him. Officers surrounded him with their guns drawn, then begin rendering medical aid.

Before Olivieri was taken to a hospital, a Secret Service officer asked him why he went to the White House. "I came here to shoot people," he replied, according to court documents.

A spent .22-caliber shell casing was found near a Camry on Constitution Avenue, and more ammunition was found in the car.

The incident occurred within view of tourists outside the White House, near sidewalks crowded with families, school groups and government workers.

The White House was on lockdown for about an hour after the incident. President Barack Obama was not at the White House at the time, but Vice President Joe Biden was inside the building, administration officials said.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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