IBNS-CMEDIA: The White House was temporarily placed under lockdown after a car crashed into a security barrier near Lafayette Square in Washington, DC, on Monday morning, prompting an immediate response from security agencies.
The US Secret Service arrested two people following the incident, which involved a vehicle breaching a barricade and crashing near the White House, Fox News reported.
Videos circulating on social media showed smoke billowing from the bonnet of the damaged vehicle as security personnel rushed to secure the area.
As officers responded to the incident, journalists and other media personnel present near the White House were reportedly instructed to move inside the premises as a precaution.
Second person arrested after jumping barricade
According to a Secret Service spokesperson quoted by Fox News, the incident occurred shortly before 10 am near the northern side of Lafayette Park, at the intersection of 16th Street and H Street NW.
The vehicle reportedly mounted the sidewalk before the driver was confronted by law enforcement officers.
“The driver was combative with law enforcement, but was quickly placed under arrest,” the spokesperson said.
In a separate development, another individual jumped over a security barricade near the northwest corner of Lafayette Park and was immediately taken into custody.
Bomb squad called in to inspect vehicle
Authorities also called in the Metropolitan Police Department’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal team to examine the vehicle as a precautionary measure.
Sniffer dogs were reportedly deployed as security personnel checked for possible explosives.
Following the incident, roads surrounding Lafayette Park were closed as officials secured the area and carried out their investigation.
Further details about the identities of the two individuals, their possible motives and the circumstances leading to the crash are awaited.
