The United States Secret Service reported two security incidents near the White House on Monday morning that resulted in the detention of two individuals and a temporary lockdown of the complex.
The first incident involved a vehicle that was driven onto the pavement at Lafayette Park, the area directly fronting the White House. Secret Service Police and National Guard units responded to reports of the crash at approximately 10am local time at the northern edge of Lafayette Park near 16th and H Streets Northwest. Video footage showed a silver sedan producing heavy smoke as law enforcement officers surrounded the vehicle. The driver exited the vehicle and engaged in physical confrontation with officers before being apprehended. A Secret Service statement confirmed that the driver was combative during the encounter but was quickly taken into custody.
Concurrently with the vehicle incident, a second individual jumped a security barrier in the northwest corner of Lafayette Park. Officials have not indicated whether the two events were coordinated or related to one another.
President Donald Trump was present in the executive residence at the time of the incidents, leading to a precautionary lockdown of the White House and the closure of surrounding roads. The lockdown was lifted approximately one hour after the incidents occurred. Following the driver’s arrest, the Metropolitan Police Department’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit conducted a sweep of the vehicle as a standard security measure.
Authorities have not disclosed what charges the two detained individuals may face. Both incidents remain under active investigation by law enforcement agencies.
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