Authorities say explosive ordnance team cleared the vehicle and no injuries were reported following the early-morning incident.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
A driver was taken into custody early Wednesday after crashing a vehicle into a temporary security barrier near the White House, prompting a rapid response from federal and local law enforcement.
The incident occurred around 6:26 a.m. on March 11 near Madison and H Streets NW, according to a statement from the U.S. Secret Service. Officers stationed in the area immediately detained the driver following the crash.
A Secret Service spokesperson said in a statement that uniformed officers quickly secured the scene after the vehicle struck the barrier.
“U.S. Secret Service uniformed police officers immediately apprehended the driver of the vehicle,” the spokesperson said.
The Metropolitan Police Department’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team was called to the scene to inspect the vehicle as a precaution. After examining the car, officials determined there was no explosive threat and cleared the area.
Authorities confirmed the individual involved is currently being questioned by the Secret Service, with criminal charges pending as the investigation continues.
“The individual is currently being interviewed by the Secret Service and criminal charges are pending,” the spokesperson said.
Road closures surrounding the incident were lifted after investigators secured the scene.
The Metropolitan Police Department said officers responded shortly after the crash to assist federal authorities with what was initially treated as a suspicious vehicle incident.
“The United States Secret Service is leading this investigation,” a department spokesperson said.
Officials reported that no injuries occurred during the crash or the subsequent law enforcement response.
Security barriers surrounding the White House complex are designed to prevent unauthorized vehicles from approaching restricted areas. Both permanent and temporary barriers are routinely used as part of the protective security perimeter around the presidential residence.
Several similar incidents involving vehicles striking White House barriers have occurred in recent years.
In October 2025, a driver was arrested after crashing a vehicle into a security gate along the southwest perimeter of the White House near 17th and E Streets NW. Officers detained the driver at the scene while investigators secured the area.
Another incident occurred in January 2024 when an SUV struck an exterior gate of the complex during evening hours. The driver was taken into custody while authorities investigated the circumstances of the crash.
The Secret Service has faced increased scrutiny over its protective operations following the July 2024 assassination attempt against then-presidential candidate Donald Trump during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
During that attack, a gunman fired several shots toward the stage, grazing Trump’s right ear before being fatally shot by law enforcement. Two people attending the rally were injured, and a third victim, 50-year-old retired firefighter Corey Comperatore, was killed.
The incident prompted congressional inquiries and an internal review by the Secret Service into security procedures.
According to the agency’s findings, investigators identified several failures surrounding the Butler attack, including communication breakdowns between federal agents and local law enforcement, gaps in how suspicious behavior was reported, and deficiencies in site planning and coordination.
Officials said the agency has since implemented changes aimed at improving information sharing and strengthening operational protocols used to protect high-profile public officials.
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