Man Drives Onto Sidewalk Near White House, Demands to See Trump
The driver was detained and evaluated for mental health after a security scare that temporarily closed local roads.
A security incident unfolded near the White House on Saturday afternoon when a man drove his vehicle onto a sidewalk and demanded to speak with President Donald Trump. The incident occurred around 12:15 p.m. at the intersection of 16th and H streets Northwest, triggering a swift response from the Secret Service and other law enforcement personnel.
The unidentified driver was taken into custody by Secret Service officers. Authorities surrounded and searched his vehicle, but a spokesperson for the agency stated that no dangerous materials were found. The president was not at the White House at the time of the incident, as he was reportedly at Camp David in Maryland.
Following the search, the driver was transported to a nearby hospital for a mental health evaluation. The Secret Service commended the rapid actions of its officers and thanked the Metropolitan Police Department for their assistance. Local roads in the vicinity were temporarily closed as a precautionary measure.
The man's identity has not been released, and authorities have not provided details on the motive behind his actions or his specific demands to see the president. Images from the scene showed a significant law enforcement presence in the area, which is part of the highly secured zone surrounding the White House.
This event follows a series of security-related incidents near the White House. In May, gunfire erupted near the complex, resulting in two injuries and the death of the alleged shooter, who was engaged by Secret Service personnel. In March, a van crashed through a barricade near Connecticut Avenue and H Street, leading to the driver's detention and questioning.
The investigation into Saturday's incident is ongoing. Authorities have not yet announced any criminal charges against the man involved.