A US Secret Service spokesman said a truck driver was arrested Monday night after it crashed into security barriers in Lafayette Square, near the White House.
“No Secret Service or White House personnel were injured, and the cause and how it occurred is still under investigation,” Secret Service liaison Anthony Guglielmi said on Twitter.
The Secret Service announced the closure of some roads and footpaths.
The US Security Service said the driver “most likely” attacked the security barriers deliberately.
A short video clip posted on social media showed the truck crashing into barriers from a short distance, to what the person who posted the clip said was the second time.
Reuters could not verify the authenticity of the video.
“All units stand ready to assist law enforcement officers with anything they need in their investigations,” said press officer Vito Magiolo.
The Washington Post, citing a police spokesperson, said Washington Metro Police assisted other agencies at the scene.
Fox 5 television news reported that the nearby High Adams Hotel had been evacuated, according to Reuters.
CBS’ Washington television showed live video of a box-type pickup truck parked next to a row of steel poles and uniformed law enforcement officers approaching the vehicle.
A remote-controlled robot opened the door slightly, revealing a doll but no other consignment visible.
Washington TV reported, citing eyewitnesses, that after the first collision, the driver hit the barriers a second time.
Securitymen found a Nazi flag and other items in the truck, which he knew had been rented.
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2023-05-23 03:52:16
