Secret Service Blocks Lafayette Square After Vehicle Crash
A passenger car crashed into an information sign on the north side of the presidential residence on Monday morning, forcing a security lockdown, Nettavisen reported.
The vehicle drove off the road and onto the sidewalk before striking the sign, which brought the car to an abrupt halt, according to Nettavisen. Photographs and video from the scene showed smoke rising from the vehicle while emergency personnel treated one of the occupants on a stretcher.
Clash With Police and National Guard
Personnel from the U.S. National Guard and law enforcement rushed to the scene following the collision, footage shared on social media showed. A physical struggle broke out between an occupant of the car and police officers.
One person stepped out of the vehicle and began swinging wildly before officers quickly restrained and forced them to the ground, according to video documentation of the incident. Journalist Martin Austermuhle of The Washington Sun shared a clip of the incident and wrote that someone fought with the Secret Service and National Guard members after exiting the vehicle near the north end of Lafayette Square Park.
Heightened Security Near the White House
The New York Post reported that the area is frequently visited by tourists taking photographs outside the presidential residence. Following the crash, the Secret Service ordered reporters stationed at the White House to move indoors.
Unclear what happened but someone just drove into a sign on the north end of Lafayette Square Park and then fought with Secret Service and National Guard when they got out of their car. pic.twitter.com/Mwcrk4klQn
Security around the executive mansion remains at an elevated level. A separate incident occurred just a week prior when authorities arrested a man carrying multiple firearms in a stolen vehicle near the White House, with CNN reporting that the suspect threatened to kill President Donald Trump.
Previous Security Threats to President Trump
President Trump has faced multiple assassination attempts and threats in recent years. The most severe breach occurred during the 2024 presidential campaign when a gunman grazed his ear at a rally in Pennsylvania.
In September of the same year, the Secret Service spotted and fired upon an armed suspect hiding in the bushes outside Trump’s Florida golf club. The gunman fled the scene and was subsequently sentenced to life in prison.
Questions About the Lafayette Square Park Crash
What caused the vehicle to crash near Lafayette Square Park?
The exact cause of the crash remains under investigation. Footage and reports from the scene indicate the vehicle veered off the road and mounted the sidewalk before hitting the information sign.
How did law enforcement respond to the occupants of the car?
Officers subdued one person who emerged from the vehicle and began swinging at authorities, while medical personnel treated at least one other occupant on a stretcher.
Were any journalists injured during the security breach?
The Secret Service ordered members of the White House press corps to move indoors during the lockdown.
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