Washington. Two separate security-related incidents came to light on Monday near the White House, the US Presidential residence. In the first incident, a car crashed into a signpost on the northern side of Lafayette Square, while in the second incident a person jumped a barricade near Lafayette Park. In both cases, Secret Service officers took the individuals involved into custody. Following the incidents, the White House complex was temporarily locked down and security was increased around it. President Donald Trump was present in the White House at the time of the incident.
Car collides with signpost, driver tries to escape
The incident occurred at around 10 am local time. A silver sedan crashed into a signpost on the north side of Lafayette Square. After the collision, smoke started coming out of the car. The security personnel immediately reached the spot and asked the driver to get out of the vehicle.
After coming out of the car, the driver tried to run away, but was caught by Secret Service officers and National Guard personnel. Later he was taken into custody.
In the second incident, a person crossed the barricade and reached
According to the American Secret Service, during the same time, another incident also took place around the White House. A man jumped a security barricade near the northwest corner of Lafayette Park. The security personnel immediately caught him and took him into custody.
The Secret Service said both incidents are being investigated. According to officials, the car driver clashed with the security personnel, but was soon controlled.
Accident or deliberate action?
Lafayette Square is a major public space located along Pennsylvania Avenue in front of the White House. After both the incidents, security was tightened in the area and temporary restrictions were imposed around the White House.
At present it is not clear whether the car collided with the signpost accidentally or the driver did so intentionally. Only after the investigation by the Secret Service will the circumstances and possible intentions of the incidents become clear.