The US Attorney's office has said that a man was arrested for scaling a fence and charging at the White with a knife.
The man made it into the executive mansion shortly after US President Barack Obama had departed.
The US Secret Service named the man as Omar Gonzalez, 42.
Mr Gonzalez was charged with unlawfully entering a restricted building or grounds while carrying a "deadly or dangerous weapon."
If convicted, Mr Gonzalez faces up to 10 years in prison.
Mr Gonzalez was carrying a folding knife with a 3-1/2-inch long serrated blade.
Mr Gonzalez had said he was concerned that the atmosphere was collapsing and needed to get the information to the President.
The incident, one of the most significant breaches of security since Mr Obama became president, raised questions about security procedures at the White House.
The White House is a heavily guarded complex filled with Secret Service officers and snipers.
The Secret Service increased security around the White House on Friday and started a review of its response.
As part of the review it conducted a physical assessment of the area and interviews with involved personnel, the agency said.
Shortly before the intrusion, Mr Obama and his daughters had departed for Camp David. First Lady Michelle Obama had travelled separately to the presidential retreat in nearby Maryland.
