That Time Pablo Escobar Was in Front of the White House

It is always strange to see famous criminals doing normal things like grocery shopping, going to the movies, or enjoying touristy areas. It’s hard to believe that criminals are just like us, but they really are!

Born Dec. 1, 1949, Pablo Emilio Escobar Gaviri was a Colombian drug lord, narcoterrorist, and politician. Escobar, who was dubbed “the king of cocaine,” was the founder and sole leader of the Medellín Cartel.

Escobar seemed to always live a life of crime. Born to a farmer and a schoolteacher, a young Escobar would sell fake diplomas and falsified report cards, and later turn to grand theft auto and smuggling.

At his peak, Escobar was earning about $5 million per day, according to the NWC. From the safe houses and hidden cash, it was rumored there was $15 billion in hidden cash around Escobar’s properties. Today, Escobar is worth $100 billion, however, he was worth much more at one point.

Escobar eventually found himself facing constant threats from the Colombian police, the U.S. government, and his rival, the Cali Cartel. Despite his popularity among the public, those with power wanted to see Escobar behind bars.

Maria Victoria, who married Escobar in 1976 and stayed with him until his death, took a photo of Escobar and their son, Sebastian Marroquin (formerly known as Juan Pablo Escobar), in front of the White House in 1981.

According to History Defined, Escobar was trying to legitimize himself as a politician in Colombia in 1981. He was already on the city council in Medéllin and became a substitute congressman. It is not known if Escobar traveled on a diplomatic passport or a fake passport obtained through his political connections.

Escobar eventually won a seat in the 1982 parliamentary election as a member of the New Liberalism movement, which was an offshoot of the Colombian Liberal Party. The movement would dissolve in the 1990s after founder Luis Carlos Galán’s assassination.

Pablo Escobar and his son’s White House picture was taken at the North Portico. This means that Escobar and his family were standing on the sidewalk adjacent to Pennsylvania Ave., which was open to traffic during the time.

The photo, taken by Escobar’s wife, first appeared in the 2010 HBO documentary, “Sins of My Father.” The documentary, directed by Nicolas Entel, tells the story of Escobar’s life through his son’s perspective.

Earlier, we mentioned that Escobar and his family eventually went to Disney World. Luckily, there are a few photos that capture this seemingly normal family vacation. Just like most families that journey to the most magical place on Earth, Escobar and his family took a trip to enjoy fun, family-friendly entertainment.

Escobar reportedly had a wonderful time at the resort and even hired a personal consultant to advise the family on what attractions they should visit. Without any enemies or threats to his empire, Escobar was able to act like a child alongside his 5-year-old son.