WASHINGTON - A man draped in an American flag has climbed over the fence at the White House, prompting a lockdown as the first family celebrates Thanksgiving.

The Secret Service says the man was immediately apprehended and taken into custody. The incident took place about 2:45 p.m. EST. 

An image of a man atop a section of fence in front of the North Lawn has been posted on the website of television station WJLA. A second image shows the man standing on the lawn with his arms raised in victory.

Secret Service spokesman Robert Hoback says the north and south fence lines at the White House have been temporarily closed.

President Barack Obama and his wife and daughters are spending the holiday at the White House.