WASHINGTON: A van crashed through a security barricade near the White House early Wednesday, prompting authorities to temporarily shut down parts of downtown Washington, DC during the morning rush hour.
Officials said the vehicle struck a barricade near Lafayette Square, located just north of the White House. The driver was taken into custody and no injuries were reported in the pre-dawn incident.
A spokesperson for the United States Secret Service said a police bomb squad examined the vehicle and later declared the scene safe.
“The individual is currently being interviewed by the Secret Service and criminal charges are pending,” the spokesperson said in a statement.
Authorities deployed dozens of emergency vehicles to the area while police closed several major streets surrounding the White House.
The incident caused significant traffic congestion as commuters, office workers and tourists were prevented from passing through the security zone.
Security in the US capital has been heightened amid tensions linked to the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran.
