The White House was placed on lockdown Monday morning after a vehicle plowed into an informational sign at Lafayette Square Park, prompting a swift Secret Service response.
Video footage shared by Washington Sun reporter Martin Austermuhle showed a smoldering silver sedan at the scene, with the driver reportedly engaging in a physical altercation with law enforcement after exiting the vehicle. The crash occurred around 10:00 a.m. Eastern in an area popular with tourists taking photos with the White House as a backdrop.
Journalists Ordered Indoors
CBS News correspondent Jennifer Jacobs reported being instructed to remain inside the White House complex during the incident. “We’re in security lockdown at White House, apparently while there’s an incident at Lafayette Square Park,” Jacobs posted on social media. “USSS officer asked us to stay inside the building.”
President Donald Trump was present in the White House at the time of the crash, though there were no immediate reports of injuries to pedestrians or any threat to the president. The New York Post noted the area is typically crowded with visitors, but early reports suggested no bystanders were harmed.
Motive Unclear
Authorities have not yet determined whether the collision was intentional, and the identity of the driver remains unknown as of Monday afternoon. The Secret Service has not released additional details about the ongoing investigation.
The incident marks the latest security scare near the White House complex, coming just weeks after another vehicle-related security breach prompted brief lockdown procedures. Lafayette Square, located directly north of the White House grounds, has been the site of numerous protests and security incidents in recent years.
Source: www.breitbart.com โ https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2026/11/09/white-house-placed-lockdown-after-car-plows-into-sign-lafayette-square-park/