Driver detained after car crashes near White House; Trump safe inside | VIDEO
Washington DC: The White House was placed under temporary security lockdown on Monday after a private vehicle mounted the pavement and crashed into a signpost near Lafayette Square, immediately across from the executive complex. US President Donald Trump was inside the residence when the incident occurred, prompting armed Secret Service officers to secure the perimeter and restrict all movement around the North Lawn.
According to initial reports, the crash took place during regular morning hours along Pennsylvania Avenue. Secret Service agents immediately swarmed the perimeter, detaining the driver after a brief scuffle at the scene while emergency response units established a perimeter around the impacted vehicle.
Scuffle at the Scene Leads to Driver Detention
The collision damaged a public signage structure situated in close proximity to Lafayette Park, triggering automated security alarms across the presidential grounds. Law enforcement officers intercepted the driver moments after impact, neutralising potential threats before assessing the vehicle for hazardous materials or explosive devices.
The driver engaged in a physical altercation with Secret Service personnel prior to being handcuffed and taken into federal custody. Authorities confirmed that the vehicle did not breach the fortified security gates of the White House complex itself, though precautionary sweep protocols were strictly enforced across the adjacent streets.
Perimeter Restored Following Rapid Security Assessment
Following a comprehensive inspection by law enforcement and bomb disposal specialists, federal authorities confirmed that the scene was cleared of ongoing danger. The temporary lockdown was lifted shortly after the driver was removed from the area, allowing routine administrative operations inside the West Wing to resume safely.
The United States Secret Service initiated a formal investigation into the driver's motives, vehicle origin, and potential charges. Officials confirmed that President Trump was never in direct physical danger during the rapid sequence of events.