Secret Service Ends Investigation Into Cocaine Found Inside White House

The Secret Service wrapped up its investigation into the cocaine found in the White House without identifying a suspect. 

Key Quotes: The Secret Service concluded, “Without physical evidence, the investigation will not be able to single out a person of interest from the hundreds of individuals who passed through the vestibule where the cocaine was discovered. At this time, the Secret Service's investigation is closed due to a lack of physical evidence.” The Secret Service clarified certain facts surrounding the discovery, detailing that the cocaine was discovered “inside a receptacle used to temporarily store electronic and personal devices prior to entering the West Wing.” That receptacle, according to the Secret Service, was located “inside a vestibule leading to the lobby area of the West Executive Avenue entrance to the White House.”

For Context: The cocaine was discovered by the Secret Service on July 2. The Biden family was reportedly away from the White House at Camp David on the weekend of its discovery. Outlets speculated on the cocaine’s owner. Left-rated voices pointed to the tours given over the weekend as evidence that it most likely belonged to a non-White House official. Right-rated voices, including former President Donald Trump, raised suspicions that it belonged to a White House official or perhaps a member of the Biden family, pointing to Biden’s son Hunter’s history with drugs. 

How the Media Covered It: Right-rated outlets featured coverage more prominently. Outlets across the spectrum mostly quoted Republican lawmakers unhappy with the results of the investigation.