A van smashed through a security barricade near the White House early Wednesday morning, forcing authorities to shut down parts of downtown Washington during the morning rush hour. According to the reports, the incident occurred before dawn near Lafayette Square, just north of the White House. The driver was taken into custody and no injuries were reported.
The U.S. Secret Service, which is responsible for protecting the president and securing the White House complex, said it was investigating the incident involving a “suspicious vehicle.” “The driver of the car has been detained and is being questioned,” the agency said in a statement as quoted by APF.
Authorities closed several major streets around the White House as officers and emergency crews responded to the scene. The closures disrupted traffic and delayed government employees and city workers heading to their offices. Dozens of emergency vehicles with flashing lights were deployed in the area while tourists and local residents waited for authorities to reopen nearby streets.
The investigation comes as Washington remains under heightened security amid ongoing tensions related to the U.S.-Israel war on Iran.