A car driver was brought into custody on Monday night, January 8, after colliding into an external gate of the White House, according to a representative for the Secret Service.
Gate Crash
Anthony Guglielmi, a spokesperson for the Secret Service, said that the driver was involved in the accident just before 6:00 PM local time, as reported by CBS News. After a little over two hours, the police were able to remove the car.
At the time of the accident, President Joe Biden was not around at the White House. Earlier on Monday, he was in South Carolina for a campaign rally, and by the evening, he was on his way to Texas.
As a result of the collision, traffic was disrupted in the vicinity of 15th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, which is located on the eastern side of the White House complex, close to the Treasury Building, according to the authorities. Following the vehicle's clearance, the closures were lifted.
The authorities have not yet disclosed any information that may be used to identify the driver. It was not immediately obvious whether or not there would be any charges.
CBS News was informed by law enforcement sources who were briefed on the event that the driver was a male who is considered to have difficulties with his mental health. After being brought into custody, he was evaluated, according to the officials, who also said that there was no continuing danger.
There are photographs taken at the site that show what seems to be a gray or silver Cadillac Escalade with Virginia license plates.
Similar Incidents
There have been other incidents in which a motorist has crashed a car into the security barricades outside of the White House.
In a report by USA Today, a guy from Missouri with a Nazi banner allegedly had months of preparations to "seize power" and assassinate the president before he drove a U-Haul truck into security barricades close to the White House in May 2023.
Sai Varshith Kandula, 19, from Chesterfield, Missouri, disclosed to officials of the Secret Service that he had traveled to Washington, DC, using a one-way ticket after preparing his trip for a period of six months.
Based on the documents filed before the court, he had the intention of getting to the White House, seizing power, and being put in charge of running the nation. Another statement that he made was to "kill the president, if that's what I have to do," according to the records.
Meanwhile, an SUV that was parked and escorting Biden's motorcade was struck by a vehicle in December 2023. The incident occurred as the president and first lady were leaving the campaign headquarters, which was located in Delaware. Drunk driving charges were eventually filed against the driver. There were no injuries sustained by either the president or the first lady.
