US News

No knives at O lunch address

WASHINGTON — It seemed like a friendly crowd for the president . . . until the Secret Service took their forks and knives away.

Guests at a lunch for Latino leaders near Orlando, Fla., were shocked when they were told they had to give up their utensils before President Obama was to give a speech.

“As you know, we’re having another speaker and there is some Secret Service involved. So there’s a reason why there’s no knives at your table and the forks will be collected — and I’m not joking,” said Raquel Regalado, an announcer at the event.

The Secret Service confirmed it removed the utensils to eliminate any potential hazards to the president.