Relative Says White House Intruder 'Great Guy' Who Suffers From PTSD
The relative of a man who recently scaled a fence at the White House in Washington, D.C. says the suspect suffers from PTSD and should not be treated like a criminal.
Omar Gonzalez is being charged with unlawfully entering a restricted building while carrying a dangerous weapon after he hopped the north fence of the White House last Friday, sprinted across the lawn and attempted to enter the White House through its north portico doors before he was stopped by a Secret Service agent. The suspect was reportedly carrying a folding knife with a 3 ½ inch blade in his pants pocket.
Although prosecutors argue that Gonzalez is a danger to President Obama, the man's former stepson argues that Gonzalez is an Iraq War veteran who is homeless and suffers from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Gonzalez reportedly served for 18 years in the U.S. military and did three tours of Iraq.
Jerry S. Murphy, the son of a woman who Gonzalez dated at one point, has defended the war veteran, saying he is a good person who suffers from PTSD.
"He's a very good guy. He is suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder," Murphy told Slate. "I don't believe he had any intention in hurting anybody. He has served his country for years."
The former stepson added that he believes Gonzalez should be treated for his mental health, rather than treated like a criminal who broke the law.
According to an affidavit presented by prosecutors, Gonzalez reportedly told the Secret Service "that he was concerned that the atmosphere was collapsing and needed to get the information to the President of the United States so that he could get the word out to the people," and that's why he decided to enter the White House gates.
