A motorist was taken into custody by the Secret Service following an incident involving a “suspicious vehicle” in close proximity to the White House today.
Roads were blocked off with police tape near the residence of US President Donald Trump earlier in the day after a car allegedly crashed into the gates of the White House.
This morning, just before 7 AM, there were road closures and traffic delays in the vicinity of the White House, as mentioned by CBS journalist Natalie Brand, citing a “Secret Service investigation.”
She further relayed that a spokesperson indicated that they were examining a suspicious vehicle and confirmed that the driver had been apprehended for questioning.
CBS reporter Sara Cook also reported that a vehicle had collided with the White House gate, prompting a response from the Secret Service.
Additionally, senior White House correspondent Jennifer Jacobs witnessed the temporary closure of streets surrounding the White House, with police tape and an increased presence of law enforcement officials due to the suspicious vehicle. She mentioned that the driver was detained and under interrogation by the US Secret Service.
The incident occurred at the crossing of Connecticut Avenue and H Street, Northwest, near the perimeter of the presidential compound.
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) of Washington DC stated that a van breached a security barricade close to the White House, according to ABC7 News.
Around 6:37 AM, MPD officers responded to a distress call near the White House to aid the United States Secret Service after the van broke through a barricade at Connecticut Avenue and H Street, Northwest.
Authorities confirmed no injuries and revealed that the driver had been apprehended. Local reports indicated that several nearby streets had been temporarily shut down by the police due to the ongoing investigation.
Images from the scene depicted personnel in military-style uniforms at the crash site today, along with a substantial police presence featuring numerous officers.
Anthony Guglielmi, the Chief of Communications for the Secret Service, informed the press that the driver was in custody and undergoing questioning.