A man was arrested after crashing his car into a security gate outside the White House while President Donald Trump was inside. The U.S. Secret Service confirmed that the individual drove their car into a Secret Service vehicle gate on Tuesday, October 21. Fortunately, there was no threat made towards the president, and the driver was immediately taken into custody. The incident occurred at around 10:37 p.m. local time at a security gate at 17th and E streets near the president’s residence, as reported by The New York Times.
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The suspect, who has not been identified, was taken into custody following the crash. The Secret Service spokesperson stated, “An individual drove his vehicle into the Secret Service vehicle gate located at 17th and E St, NW, DC. The individual was immediately arrested by U.S. Secret Service Uniformed Division officers.” The vehicle was later inspected by both the Secret Service and the Metropolitan Police Department and deemed safe. Further details about the incident are expected to be provided after an investigation is concluded.
In response to the incident, a spokesperson for the Secret Service mentioned that the individual was arrested and taken to a nearby hospital for a mental health evaluation. Charges concerning unlawful entry and destruction of government property are currently pending. The Secret Service expressed gratitude towards the swift actions of their officers and the prompt response from the Metropolitan Police Department.
President Trump was present at the White House during the time of the crash, but reports indicate that there was no direct threat made to him. The vehicle involved in the incident was identified as a 2010 Acura TSX with Maryland license plates. While the driver’s motive and intentions remain unknown, authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Despite previous efforts to restrict access to vehicles and pedestrians in the vicinity of the White House since the 1990s, incidents like these have occurred in recent years. In May 2023, a driver drove a rented U-Haul truck into a gate with intentions to harm then-President Joe Biden. Another incident in May 2024 resulted in a fatality when a man crashed his car into a security barrier. These events underscore the ongoing challenges of securing the area around the White House.
Authorities have not disclosed whether the crash was deliberate or accidental, and the White House has not been placed on lockdown following the incident. However, the road leading to the gate is expected to remain closed until the vehicle is removed. The U.S. Secret Service has yet to provide further details in response to requests for additional information, while the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia referred inquiries back to the Secret Service.
In conclusion, incidents like these highlight the ongoing security concerns around one of the most prominent symbols of American power. The safety measures in place, though stringent, are not immune to breaches, necessitating continuous vigilance and readiness on the part of law enforcement agencies tasked with protecting the White House and its occupants.