Driver Arrested After Vehicle Hits White House Gate

A person was arrested after driving a vehicle into a security gate outside the White House late Tuesday night, the U.S. Secret Service said. The collision occurred at approximately 10:37 p.m. at the gate for the western entrance to the White House complex near the corner of 17th and E Streets Northwest in Washington.

Secret Service uniformed officers detained the driver at the scene, and the vehicle was searched by Secret Service and Washington Metropolitan Police Department investigators before being deemed safe, the agency said. President Donald Trump was inside the White House at the time, but the Secret Service said the presidential complex was not placed on lockdown. The roadway leading to the gate remained closed until the vehicle could be towed.

In a statement, the Secret Service said, "At approximately 10:37 p.m., an individual drove a vehicle into the Secret Service vehicle gate located at 17th E St, NW, in Washington, DC. The individual was arrested and the vehicle was assessed and deemed safe. Our investigation into the cause of this collision is ongoing." Officials have not released the identity of the driver, any charges, or a motive.