A mentally ill man with a fake security pass came within feet of US Vice President Joseph Biden during a security breach at the Opening Ceremony of the Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver, Canadian broadcaster CTV reported on Wednesday.
The 48-year-old man gained access to the venue despite several layers of security, according to CTV, citing RCMP Assistant Commissioner Bud Mercer, the head of the 2010 Integrated Security Unit.
According to Mercer, the man “had an infatuation with the US Vice President.”
As the man made his way within 12 feet of Biden’s seat during the February 12 ceremony, he was intercepted by two plainclothes officers who said he looked out of place. The officers realized he was carrying a fake credential and tried to escort him out of the area. When the man tried to run, he was taken into custody.
The man was not carrying a weapon and did not plan to harm Biden, according to Mercer. He will not face charges in connection with the incident but has been committed to a psychiatric facility.