Obama’s Limo Gets Towed After Breaking Down In Israel
President Obama’s limo was towed today after it broke down in Israel.
The President’s limo, nicknamed “The Beast,” reportedly broke down after it was filled with gasoline instead of diesel.
Secret Service spokesman, Agent Edwin Donovan said: “One of our vehicles is experiencing mechanical problems. This is why we bring multiple vehicles and a mechanic on trips.”
According to the NY Post, the limo broke down shortly before the President’s arrival and did not hinder Obama’s visit to Israel. Several limos are shipped along with the president and Obama will used a backup limo until”The Beast” gets fixed.
This is the first time that Obama will visit the country since he became president. This is not, however, the first time that there has been a problem with “The Beast.”
The vehicle is heavily armored, extremely heavy, and gets about 8 mpg. The added weight of the car has led to some problems in the past, like when it got stuck on a ramp in Ireland during a visit in 2011.
The exact security details aren’t known but The Beast reportedly has 5-inch-thick armor plating, bulletproof windows, and tires that will continue to roll even if they’re flat.
Nicholas Trotta, assistant director of the Secret Service’s Office of Protective Operations, said: “Although many of the vehicle’s security enhancements cannot be discussed, it is safe to say this car’s security and coded communications systems make it the most technologically advanced protection vehicle in the world.”
Obama will be visiting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during his trip. The two will have dinner tonight and will speak at a press conference later this afternoon.
Before #Obama arrived, his limo broke down after the driver filled it with gasoline instead of diesel. #ObamainIsrael twitter.com/avimayer/statu…
— Avi Mayer (@avimayer) March 20, 2013
Obama will be spending three days in Israel. Before he left, he made sure to fill out his NCAA March Madness bracket.
