Van crashes through White House barricade, driver detained

WASHINGTON (7News) — A van drove through a security barricade near the White House on Wednesday morning, according to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD)

MPD said at approximately 6:37 a.m., its officers responded to the vicinity of the White House to assist the United States Secret Service (USSS) after the van drove through the barricade at Connecticut Avenue and H Street, Northwest.

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Authorities confirmed there were no injuries, and the driver was apprehended.

Police have temporarily closed several nearby streets due to the ongoing investigation, including:

• New Jersey Avenue, SE, between D and E Streets
• Ivy Street, SE, between New Jersey Avenue and Canal Street
• E Street, SE, between First and South Capitol Streets
• Canal Street, SE, between South Capitol and E Streets

U.S. Secret Service said the driver is being questioned. This is their full statement:

“Secret Service police officers with the Uniformed Division are looking into a suspicious vehicle. The driver of the car has been detained and is being questioned. Various entrances and the streets are temporarily closed as teams conduct their work. We will provide additional information once we get updated from officers later this morning.”

MPD is asking anyone with information to call (202) 727-9099 or text 50411. Motorists are urged to avoid the area and use alternate routes until the streets reopen.

No further details about the driver or the motive have been released.