A man was taken into custody early Wednesday after driving a van directly into a security barrier outside the White House, triggering an immediate response from federal authorities.
According to the U.S. Secret Service, the incident occurred shortly before 6:30 a.m., when the vehicle struck a temporary security barrier positioned near the White House complex. Officers from the Secret Service’s Uniformed Division quickly detained the driver at the scene.
Authorities have not yet released the suspect’s identity, and investigators are continuing to question him as they determine what led to the crash. Officials said criminal charges are expected.
Out of an abundance of caution, a police bomb squad was called in to inspect the vehicle after the collision. After a full sweep, officials confirmed that the van did not contain any explosives or other threats.
Security around the White House remains among the most heavily fortified in the country, with layered barriers designed to stop vehicles before they can approach the complex.
The incident caused a brief security response in the area but did not result in injuries or damage beyond the barrier itself. Federal investigators are now working to determine whether the crash was intentional or the result of another factor.