Entering restricted White House grounds is a federal crime

Title 18 U.S.C. § 1752 makes it a federal crime to knowingly enter or remain in any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority; this statute is regularly applied to the White House complex. The White House and its immediate grounds at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW are designated restricted areas, and unauthorized entry or remaining on those grounds can result in arrest and federal charges. Special events, protests, and permitted activities near the White House are subject to specific permits and security restrictions enforced by U.S. Secret Service and other federal authorities. The statute is federal law and applies even when District laws might allow certain demonstrations on public sidewalks farther from the restricted perimeter.