WASHINGTON — A car jumped a curb and plowed into an informational sign near the White House on Monday — prompting police to order the driver to the ground as the Secret Service moved journalists indoors.
The passenger car drove onto the sidewalk just north of Lafayette Park facing the White House and did not make it anywhere near the executive mansion’s gates more than a block away.
It was not immediately clear what caused the incident or who the driver was.
The suspect was led away in handcuffs by uniformed division members of the Secret Service — shouting “oh my God!” as he was walked down Pennsylvania Ave. closer to the White House.
The layout of the intersection, from which oncoming traffic must traverse a single cobblestone lane before making a left turn at a traffic light, makes it difficult to accelerate quickly.
The area of the crash is commonly frequented by pedestrians and selfie-takers with the White House in the background, but there were no immediate reports of injuries.
President Trump was at the White House preparing for meetings.
The Secret Service did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Lafayette Park historically has been open to visitors, but currently has tall anti-riot fencing transecting the square following Trump’s recent renovations, including the installation of new sod.
The White House is a well-known magnet for the mentally unwell and people looking to make a dramatic statement. During Trump’s first term in 2019, two people lit themselves on fire just over a month apart.
Lockdowns of the executive grounds don’t necessarily signal a broader threat.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
